In the bustling streets of Dhaka, a silent revolution is reshaping the landscape of law enforcement.
Gone are the days when police scrambled to identify suspects after a crime.
Today, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras stand as vigilant sentinels, capturing every moment and transforming how crimes are solved and prevented in Bangladesh’s capital.
The private sector, alongside law enforcement, is increasingly deploying CCTV cameras for enhanced security and surveillance in shops, homes, gates, alleys, and markets throughout Dhaka.
Eyes everywhere: The power of CCTV footage
CCTV cameras have become a cornerstone of modern policing, enabling law enforcement to identify and apprehend criminals with unprecedented speed. From petty theft to organised crime, these cameras provide critical evidence that helps unravel cases.
In recent incidents, the Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) solved three separate robberies in Kakrail, Moghbazar, and Gulistan within 72 hours, thanks to meticulous analysis of CCTV footage.
By cross-referencing motorcycle number plates, clothing, and facial features, detectives pinpointed suspects’ locations with remarkable precision.
A high-ranking official from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) explains, “CCTV cameras on main roads, intersections, and key locations provide immediate visual data post-incident. Even when criminals cover their faces, we can identify them through walking patterns, height, or clothing using advanced technology.” This capability has slashed the time needed to bring culprits to justice.
Beyond the badge: Private sector adoption
The reach of CCTV extends beyond law enforcement. Private businesses, homeowners, and community groups are increasingly installing cameras in shops, homes, gates, alleys, and markets. This growing network creates a web of surveillance that deters crime and aids investigations. In upscale areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara, over 1,400 cameras – funded by the private Law and Order Coordination Committee (LOCC) – are monitored from a state-of-the-art control centre in Gulshan. Meanwhile, the DMP’s Central Command and Control Centre oversees more than 700 cameras citywide.
Real-life impact: Cases cracked by CCTV
The impact of CCTV is evident in high-profile cases. In one chilling incident on May 9, 14-year-old Md Golam Rabbani Khan, alias Taj, murdered his two aunts in Sheorapara after a dispute over money. Footage from CCTV installed at the building and surroundings led to his arrest just three days later. Similarly, a June 14 mugging in which miscreants posing as RAB officers robbed Tk 1.18 crore from a Nagad distributor was solved using CCTV evidence, resulting in five arrests and the recovery of cash and the getaway vehicle.
In another case, a viral video from May 18 showed robbers snatching a student’s bag at machete-point in Moghbazar. Within 10 days, police used CCTV footage to arrest three suspects and recover stolen items. These cases highlight how CCTV has become a game-changer in tracking down perpetrators.
Crime prevention through deterrence
Beyond solving crimes, CCTV cameras serve as a powerful deterrent. Tanvir Hasan Johar, an IT expert and Assistant Attorney General at the International Crimes Tribunal, notes, “Criminals are less likely to act when they know they’re being watched. CCTV not only helps investigate crimes but prevents them by creating a sense of constant surveillance.” Areas like Gulshan-Baridhara, with dense camera coverage, report lower crime rates compared to less-monitored zones.
Challenges and setbacks
Despite its successes, the CCTV system faces hurdles. During the recent anti-discrimination student movement, vandals destroyed cameras in areas like Mohammadpur, Badda, Rampura, and Jatrabari, hampering investigations.
Poor resolution, inadequate lighting, and limited coverage in some areas can also render footage ineffective. Criminals often exploit these gaps, targeting blind spots to evade detection.
Experts emphasise the need for regular maintenance, high-quality cameras, and proper lighting to maximise effectiveness.
The DMP acknowledges these issues and is actively repairing damaged cameras while planning to install over 500 advanced units equipped with facial recognition, vehicle number plate detection, and automatic alarms for digital patrolling.
A data-driven triumph
In 2024, CCTV footage helped solve over 1,400 cases – a 35 per cent increase from the previous year. This statistic underscores the technology’s growing role in law enforcement.
DMP DC (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman says, “CCTV cameras are pivotal in controlling crime. We’re committed to expanding and maintaining the network to ensure swift justice.”
The road ahead
As Dhaka embraces CCTV technology, the city stands at a crossroads. Strengthening camera infrastructure, improving maintenance, and expanding coverage could further reduce crime rates and enhance public safety.
DB Joint Commissioner Mohammad Nasirul Islam adds, “With both public and private sectors adopting CCTV, identifying criminals is easier than ever. We’re leveraging technology to build a safer city.”
In a metropolis where every corner tells a story, CCTV cameras are rewriting the narrative – one frame at a time.