AI cameras installed on Dhaka-Chattogram, Mawa highways
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Dhaka-Chattogram and Dhaka-Mawa highways are brought under the coverage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based cameras and CCTV as part of the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against crime and drug smuggling.
Highway Police Additional IGP Faruk Ahmed made these remarks on Monday and said AI cameras have been installed at 16 important points of the highway.
With the installation of these CCTV and AI cameras, the Highway Police are now centrally monitoring the overall situation of both highways.
Faruk noted that the AI cameras were installed at key locations on the Dhaka-Mawa highway under a project by the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, reports BSS.
Faruk said, “A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is in the process of being signed with the ministry to formally hand over the responsibility of operating these AI cameras to the Highway Police. However, the Highway Police is already operating the surveillance system unofficially.”
He added, “This advanced surveillance system will make Highway Police activities more efficient and play a significant role in preventing various highway-based crimes, including robbery and drug transportation.”
Faruk noted, “The installation of AI cameras on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway has already been completed. It will be officially inaugurated very soon. Other highways across the country would be brought under similar surveillance in phases.”
He emphasized that by using digital technology, the force is prioritizing data-driven decision-making alongside increasing efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Community-based policing is being strengthened to increase public trust and ensure the active participation of service recipients.
Faruk noted that there are 73 highway police stations across the country, and steps are being taken to increase the number of stations and improve the professional skills of members to ensure more effective service.
Established on 11 June 2005, Highway Police is a specialized unit of the Bangladesh Police, primarily responsible for ensuring security, law and order, and uninterrupted vehicle movement on the nation’s highways.
Operating under Section 12 of the Police Act of 1861, the unit also investigates various offenses according to the Motor Vehicles Ordinance of 1983.
Highway Police’s core responsibilities include maintaining law and order, preventing highway crimes, investigating road accidents, enforcing traffic laws, patrolling highways, ensuring road safety, and managing traffic.
It operates through four divisions, eight regions, seven camps, 73 highway police stations, and 10 circles, with an authorized manpower of 2,814 personnel.
The eight regional offices of the Highway Police are located in Gazipur, Cumilla, Bogura, Madaripur, Sylhet, Khulna, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.
Despite limitations in manpower and resources, the Highway Police are tasked with ensuring law, order, and security across around 11,806 kilometers of highways in the country.
