64 CCTV cameras out of order for two years in Kushtia town

KUSHTIA, July 26: The 64 CCTV cameras installed in Kushtia town for maintaining law and order and curbing crime have been lying inoperative for around two years.

This surveillance system of the district police has not been activated since it was vandalised and disconnected during the July mass uprising.

Cameras have been removed in some places, while some have disappeared along with the camera boxes.

Law enforcement agencies said that absence of the surveillance system makes it difficult to deter and track street crimes such as theft and snatching.

Meanwhile, the surge in various crimes including theft, robbery, and especially drug dealing is causing widespread insecurity and anxiety among the public.

Consequently, law enforcement agencies are struggling to identify perpetrators after offenses occur.

According to district police sources, the CCTV cameras were installed in various important places including the police station, Mazampur intersection and Barabazar in the first phase at the initiative of the district police in 2017.

Later, cameras were also connected to the town's entrances and important roads. This surveillance system, which is supervised by the district police, once had a positive impact on crime control.

Town residents complain that criminals have become more reckless because the cameras have remained out of service for a long time.

Important digital information is not available for investigations into various crimes, including robbery, theft, and drug dealing. As a result, it is becoming difficult to identify and bring criminals to justice.

Senior journalist Sharif Biswas of Kushtia said,"The CCTV cameras installed by the district police had greatly increased the security of the town. As a result of digital surveillance, criminals felt afraid to commit any organised crime. The general public of the town used to move around at night without any problems."

"Because of the installation of CCTV cameras, if any problem arose anywhere, they would appear there before the police were called. However, since these cameras were damaged, the law enforcement agencies could not monitor the town properly."

Mizanur Rahman Lucky, a member of the Conscious Citizens Committee (Sanak) in Kushtia stated that during the 2024 movement, CCTV cameras were destroyed in various parts of the town.

Since then, the administration has not installed any new cameras. CCTV networks are essential for detecting crimes worldwide. They not only help prevent crime but also serve as crucial digital evidence during post-incident investigations.

"When a town is monitored by CCTV, criminals are deterred from committing crimes, and citizens feel safe, said Lucky, adding, "In the interest of public safety, it is necessary to quickly install new cameras or repair the inactive ones."

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