The rive police unit still faces manpower and vessel shortage. Relevant people feel that to keep river routes free of crimes and safe, more personnel need to be appointed.
To keep the river routes free of crime, the river police unit was formed on Nov 12, 2013. During dry season, there is 4,500 km and in monsoon, the river route is 6,000 km.
In eight areas of two districts, some 1,900 members perform their duties. In the 11 zones of these two divisions, there are 14 police stations and 102 police camp.
River police say: “The unit has the duty to prevent robbery, hijacking, extortion and illegal sand extraction.”
For this, special vessels are needed, say police officials.
“Despite limitations the police are carrying their work and we do not have any infrastructure.”
SP of river police (training, legal and media), Farida Parvin, said: “We have earned the trust of the masses in preserving mother Hilsa and preventing the killing of fries.”
Farida adds: “We need more vessels and several outposts have been approved but they cannot be started due to manpower crisis.”