1460 CC cameras to be set up on Dhaka-Ctg highway to control robbery

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 03: In response to the demand from the business community, the authorities have put forth a plan to install a total of 1460 CCTV cameras at 490 locations along the 265-km Dhaka-Chattogram highway.
This demand came as a result of increased activity from highway robbers, resulting in a rise in incidents of robbery, particularly targeting lorries and trucks carrying goods such as iron rods and garments.
The cost of the CCTV camera project on the highway is estimated to be Tk 1.53 billion, and it is expected to be completed by June of next year.
Law enforcement agencies and transport owners' unions have identified at least 25 groups of inter-district robbers, each consisting of 12 to 20 members, operating in various spots along the highway.
The authorities and law enforcement agencies are taking various measures to prevent robberies and ensure the safety of passengers. Pillars for installing the CCTV cameras have already been set up since June of last year, and the project has been awarded to Smart Group by the highway police authority.
Sharif Sarwar, Project Director of Smart Group, mentioned that they have received permission to install the pillars and have also reached an agreement with the Power Development Board (PDB) to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the CCTV cameras.
They are hopeful that the project will be completed by June next year.
While there has been an increase in highway robberies, there are no accurate statistics available on the matter.
Mahabubul Alam, the President of FBCCI (Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry), has expressed concerns over the looting of imported goods, particularly iron, scrap iron, and RMG (Ready-Made Garments) goods.
He mentioned that importers are very worried about this issue. Despite the government's efforts to establish the Highway Police and maintain law and order on highways, robberies on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway are still widespread.
However, Alam expressed satisfaction with the decision to install CCTV cameras on the highway.

[email protected]