Police detain 445 in special operation across Chattogram district

Chattogram District Police conducted a coordinated operation across all 17 police station areas to prevent juvenile crime. A total of 445 people were detained during the operation, which began after dusk and continued until late at night, police said.

According to district police, officers searched areas where teenagers are likely to gather, including neighbourhoods, markets, railway stations, playgrounds, abandoned buildings and secluded places. Teenagers found gathering in different locations or suspected of involvement in suspicious activities were identified, questioned and checked.

Police said 354 teenagers were brought to police stations from the 17 areas. After verification, 293 were handed over to their guardians after signing undertakings, as no evidence of their involvement in offences was found. Legal action was taken against 152 people over alleged links to drugs and other offences.

Following the operation, guardians were called to police stations and advised to remain more attentive to their children. They were asked to keep track of where their children go, whom they spend time with and whether they return home at the expected time. Parents were also advised to monitor their children’s studies, friends, movements and use of social media.

Chattogram District Police Superintendent Masud Alam said teenagers should not remain outside unnecessarily after dusk. He warned that legal action would be taken if evidence emerged of teenagers engaging in gatherings, drug use, drug-related activities, mobile gaming or other criminal or suspicious conduct in secluded areas, abandoned buildings, playgrounds or crime-prone locations.

He urged guardians to monitor their children’s movements and social circles, adding that the police would not be lenient in efforts to prevent juvenile crime.

District Police called for coordinated efforts involving families, educational institutions, public representatives, teachers, and social and religious organisations. The police said special operations and monitoring would continue.