Traders of Bonogram haat in Santhia upazila, one of the biggest village markets of Pabna district, were often harassed by extortionists and thieves but now they are feeling pretty much secure as the entire market has come under Close Circuit Camera (CC camera) surveillance, thanks to the Bazar association and district police administration.

Earlier, Dublia haat in Pabna Sadar upazila was brought under CC camera surveillances a week ago. In the same way, all haats in the district are likely to be brought under CC camera surveillances soon for ensuring safety in rural areas, district police administration sources said.

"Bonogram haat is one of the leading rural markets of Pabna. Over four hundred traders have regular business and several thousand traders from different areas come on the weekly haat day with the weekly transaction of the market reaching upto Tk 100 crore," said, Ripon Munshi, president of Bonogram Bazar traders' association.

Due to the huge gathering in the haat day muggers often snatch money from traders and buyers in the busy market while frequent theft was a matter, so the Bazar committee with the help of the police administration has set up 22 CC cameras at important points of the haat, he said.

"Traders of Bonogram haat arranged fund for setting upCC cameras in the entire market while the footages are being screened by the police personnel at the Bonogram police camp," Ripon Munshi said adding they have plan to set 10 more cameras in the market.

"If any crime takes palce, the criminals would be identified easily due to the CC cameras so the traders and buyers of the market are feeling safe," said Md FarukHossain, a trader of the market.

Md Jalal Uddin, Officer-In-Charge of Ataikula Police Station, however, said not only in Bonogram haat but also Dubliahaat under Ataikula police station has also been brought under CC camera surveillance installing 16 cameras a week ago.

In the same way Ataikula haat and Pushpopara haat of Pabna Sadar Police Station will come under CC camera surveillance soon for ensuring safety of the busy rural markets, the OC said.

"Instructed by the superintendent of Pabna police, Ataikula Police has taken the first initiative to bring village markets (haats) under CC camera surveillances. Traders of Dublia haat and Bonogram haat came forward for setting up cameras while two other haats under my police station will also be brought under CC camera surveillances soon," OC Jalal added.

Md Muhibul Islam, superintendent of police in Pabna, said steps will be taken to bring all the rural markets (haats) under CC camera surveillances.

 "Through the CC cameras police will easily monitor the busy rural markets of the district. It will help to improve law and order situation in the district," The SP added.