Approval has been granted to re-establish a police outpost in Kalarmarchhara, Moheshkhali. The decision was made during a meeting of the Moheshkhali Upazila Law and Order Committee held on Monday (April 28) at 11:00 AM in the Upazila conference room.
The meeting, chaired by Maheshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Hedayet Ullah, reviewed the overall law and order situation in the region.
Speaking at the meeting, UNO Hedayet Ullah stated that police, naval forces, and the coast guard have been working tirelessly to combat crime in Moheshkhali.
However, due to the distance between Kalarmarchhara and the police station and administrative offices, criminal activities have slightly increased despite regular police patrols in the area. Therefore, the decision to re-establish the police outpost was taken. Representatives from the Navy and Coast Guard added that joint patrols on land and at sea have been intensified, warning that no criminals will be spared.
Participants at the meeting expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly in Dhalghata, Kalarmarchhara, Matarbari, and Hoanak. They highlighted a rise in incidents of violence, including terrorism, theft, mugging, land-related disputes, and murder, and emphasized the need for stronger, coordinated security measures.
Among those present were Dr. Mohammad Mahfuzul Haque, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer; Lieutenant Mohaimen Hossain, representative of the Maheshkhali Naval Contingent; Pratul Kumar Shil, Investigation Officer at Maheshkhali Police Station; Kawsar Hossain, Upazila Project Implementation Officer; as well as Coast Guard representatives, local public representatives, officials from various government departments, journalists, and NGO representatives.
According to available information, nearly 8–10 sensational murders have occurred over the past two years in Kalarmarchhara, Hoanak, Dhalghata, and Matarbari, primarily arising from land disputes, political rivalries, and struggles for dominance. Victims’ families claim that the delayed arrival of law enforcement often allowed perpetrators to escape the scene quickly.
Local residents believe that the re-establishment of a permanent police outpost will enhance public safety. However, they stress that the police must remain neutral and community-friendly. Otherwise, as experienced during the previous outpost’s operations, there is a fear that public dissatisfaction may resurface.
Previously, from 2012 to 2020, a permanent police outpost was in operation on the second floor of the Sonali Bank building at Kalarmarchhara. It was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to public demand and a surrender program for local criminals, authorities set up a permanent police camp to maintain law and order. Following this, on July 19, 2023, then Cox’s Bazar Superintendent of Police (SP) Hasanuzzaman PPM laid the foundation stone for the new camp. However, the construction stalled due to land-related complications.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Collected
