The Dhaka–Chattogram Highway and Dhaka–Mawa Highway have been brought under comprehensive CCTV surveillance, with advanced AI-powered cameras installed at key locations, as part of the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against crimes and narcotics.
AI surveillance expanded to boost safety on Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Mawa highways
DHAKA, Jul 21 (BSS/APP):The Dhaka–Chattogram Highway and Dhaka–Mawa Highway have been brought under comprehensive CCTV surveillance, with advanced AI-powered cameras installed at key locations, as part of the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against crimes and narcotics.
“We have brought the entire Dhaka–Chattogram Highway under CCTV coverage, while 16 important points of the highway have also been brought under the coverage of AI cameras,” Additional Inspector General (IGP) of Highway Police Faruk Ahmed told BSS today.
He said the Dhaka–Mawa Highway has also been brought under the same surveillance coverage to ensure security in the route.
With the installation of CCTV and AI cameras, the Highway Police is now centrally monitoring the entire Dhaka–Chattogram and Dhaka–Mawa Highways.
The AI cameras have been installed at key points on Dhaka-Mawa Highway under a project of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, the Highway Police chief said.
Besides, the Highway Police is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the ministry, authorizing it to officially operate the AI-powered surveillance cameras, he said, adding that the force has already been operating the system on an unofficial basis.
Ahmed said the enhanced surveillance is expected to improve operational efficiency and strengthen efforts to prevent highway crimes, including robberies and the transportation of narcotics through the highway network.
He added that although the AI cameras have already been installed along the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway, their formal inauguration is expected to take place soon.
The remaining highways across the country will also be brought under similar surveillance coverage to enable the force to take prompt action against highway crimes while also addressing persistent traffic congestion, he said.
Ahmed said the Highway Police’s two primary responsibilities are curbing highway crimes such as robberies and drug trafficking and easing traffic congestion to ensure safer highways.
Efforts are also being strengthened to ensure safer and more organized highways through the adoption of advanced information technology in service delivery, he said.
Authorities are placing greater emphasis on utilizing modern digital tools to enhance operational efficiency, improve transparency, and strengthen accountability through data-driven decision-making, he added.
In addition, initiatives are focused on promoting community-oriented policing by building public trust and encouraging active participation from service recipients.
Officials believe that the integration of technology, evidence-based accountability, and stronger public engagement will contribute to a safer highway environment and more effective public service delivery.
Ahmed, a 17th BCS (Police) officer who assumed charge as Additional IGP of Highway Police on July 7, said he took over the force only a few days ago and has pledged to make the country’s highways free from extortion and public harassment.
“I’m confident of making the highways extortion- and hassle-free within the next two months,” he said.
The senior police officer also assured that there would be no allegations of Highway Police personnel collecting money from vehicles after the next two months.
He said the Highway police currently operates 73 police stations across the country and plans to increase the number of stations while taking necessary measures to strengthen the professional capacity of its personnel to ensure more effective service delivery.
The Highway police is a specialized unit of the Bangladesh Police established on June 11, 2005, to ensure safety, security, and smooth traffic movement on the country’s highways.
It operates under Section 12 of the Police Act, 1861, and investigates offences under the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1983.
Its key responsibilities include maintaining law and order, preventing highway crime, investigating road accidents, enforcing traffic laws, conducting highway patrols, ensuring road safety, and managing traffic flow.
The Highway police currently operates nationwide under the leadership of an Additional Inspector General through four divisions, eight regions, seven camps, 73 Highway Police Stations, and 10 circles, with an approved manpower of 2,814 personnel.
The force’s eight regional offices are located in Gazipur, Cumilla, Bogura, Madaripur, Sylhet, Khulna, Rangpur and Mymensingh.
The Highway Police is responsible for policing approximately 11,806 kilometres of highways across Bangladesh despite continuing manpower and resource constraints.
