In order to provide a place for the field-level traffic officials where they can take a breather, the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) has started constructing police boxes in different areas of the port city.

The CMP will install 36 such boxes primarily in 36 areas. At present, installation works are going on in 24 areas.

In 2006, police boxes were installed in the city but those became dilapidated after around two years. Muggers allegedly used those places to swoop on their preys undetected. There were also allegations that the boxes became a hub of anti-social activities.

So, once the old ones were dismantled, those were not replaced with new ones, said CMP sources.

Contacted, Debdas Bhattacharya, additional commissioner (traffic) of CMP, said considering the allegations, the police boxes, 10-foot high and 6-foot wide, would be made of transparent glasses.

“Rain or shine, our traffic officials have to stand on the road for around eight hours a day. At times, they have to go to the roadside shops to take rest.”

The lack of having any facility also hampers their duties, he said. “Some officials are not found on the spot when the supervisors check the areas. When asked, some of them said they went to nearby shops to take rest as they were not feeling well.”

The boxes are being built under the sponsorship of private companies, he said.

Contacted, Mohammad Mainuddin Khan, inspector (traffic, north zone) of CMP, said there are around 300 constables in two CMP zones at present. They also have 135 sergeants and 70 assistant sub-inspectors and traffic sub-inspectors.

The works will be completed within a month, he said.