Army sets up checkpoints across Dhaka for extensive late-night searches

The army set up checkpoints across various parts of Dhaka to conduct searches early on Tuesday to maintain order and curb crime.

During the operation, motorcycles, cars and covered vans were stopped, and their documents were checked thoroughly. Vehicles were also inspected for any illegal items.

The operation at Mohammadpur’s Tin Rastar Mor started at around 12:30am and included local police and traffic police, led by Major Niamul, temporary Mohammadpur camp commander who is from the 23 East Bengal Regiment.

The army officer said: “We are conducting this joint operation with the police and other law enforcement agencies to maintain public order and curb crime. Our main focus is to assist traffic police and raise public awareness, aiming to reduce fear among residents.” 

The army was also working to reduce criminal activities like theft, mugging and robbery in Mohammadpur, he said. 

“These joint operations will continue to bring offenders to justice.”

On-site observations revealed that vehicles were being checked, with army teams divided to inspect motorcycles, cars and other vehicles. 

Some 20 vehicles were fined for not having proper documents or driving licences.

Md Kakon Hossain, who had come from Motijheel to Mohammadpur with his family, said: “We have helmets and I have my driving licence, but not all the vehicle papers, so they said we would be released after an hour.”

Meanwhile, locals and pedestrians expressed satisfaction upon seeing the army’s midnight patrols, with many welcoming these operations as a means to curb crime. 

A resident named Al-Amin from Mohammadpur said if the army and police continued these operations, it would reduce crime in the area.

The army was also seen conducting an operation with a checkpoint in front of Shyamoli Shishu Mela at about 1:15am, led by Major Kazi Sadir Asaf, Sher-e-Bangla temporary camp commander and also from the 23 East Bengal Regiment, alongside local police and traffic officials.

Tosaddek, a traffic sergeant of Traffic Mohammadpur Zone, said traffic law enforcement was being applied for vehicles lacking documents or licences.

Numerous vehicles were fined at the time. Mizanur Rahman, a motorcyclist fined for not wearing a helmet, said he had been out with a friend for work in Mirpur and had not brought a second helmet, leading to the fine. 

However, he said he welcomed the initiative because the crime rate was higher at night, and such operations could help reduce it.

The army had checkpoints and was conducting searches in the Science Lab and Hazaribagh areas. 

The operation at Science Lab was still underway at 2am. 

These coordinated operations across Dhaka were being led by Major Rafi Hasan from the Army’s 45 Independent Field Company Engineers. 

“Our operations are ongoing at several points across the capital,” he said.