To provide optimum service to the masses, every police station or thana is allocated a fund.
But, many police officers term the current fund to be inadequate.
Police higher ups say that with the change in times, thana operations have now become digitized, therefore, computers and other modern equipment have been set up.
With improved settings, services have also seen an elevation which means more expenditure.
Police HQ says there are certain government allotments for thana operation which includes, furniture, transport, stationery and others.
From 2017, the expenses were doubled.
However, police stations do not have any allotment for hospitality, cooking, cleaning or for ‘source-money’, needed by sub-inspectors.
“We bear some of the expense; for example, when somebody comes to lodge a complaint then, out of courtesy, we offer them tea and biscuits, paying from our own pocket.”
AIG of police media and public relations division, Soheli Ferdous, told Bangla Tribune: “the allotted amount goes to the respective OC’s.”
Since there aren’t any posts for cleaner or cooks, no fund is provided for those facilities, added the officer.
The amount provided for furniture and other items cannot be called sufficient, added Soheli.
Several sub-inspectors have said that they pay their sources from their own pockets, since their (sources) help is essential to get news of drug trade and other crimes.
Acting OC of Ramna thana, Kazi Mainul Hassan, told Bangla Tribune:
“we get allotment on time and also logistical support when needed.”
Other officers say that the vehicles allotted are not enough.
Each thana is given 30 litres of fuel for motorbikes per month and 15 litres for pick up vans every day.
There is a scarcity of motorbikes and not all officers get a government allotted bike, observed several sub inspector level officers.
Regarding motorbikes, high up officials say: “if bikes are given to all sub-inspectors and a certain amount is cut from the salary every month, at one point the officer becomes the owner of the bike.”
With this facility, the bike will be cared for by the user since one day, it will be the officer’s property.
Since 2007, case investigation expenditure allotment began with Tk. 3000 for murder or robbery cases, Tk. 2500 for abduction, Tk. 2000 for unnatural death or hijacking and Tk. 1000 women repression cases.
In 2017, the allotment for investigation has been increased with Tk. 6000 for murder and robbery, Tk. 5000 for abduction, Tk. 4000 for unnatural death and hijacking, Tk. 2000 for child repression cases, Tk. 2000 for acid violence, Tk.2000 for cases lodged under swift resolution cases and Tk. 1500 for other cases.
Dakhinkhan thana sub inspector, Md Kabir Hossaain, says: “the amount for investigation has been doubled which will work as an inspiration for investigating officers.”
Inspector (operation) of Hatirjheel thana, Khoda Newaz, told Bangla Tribune: “we have been given sufficient facilities to serve the public and have seven pick up vans and eight motor bikes.”
Hatirjheel is divided in five sectors and two more will added; then, we will apply for two extra vans,” he said.