Finding new ways to serve and protect

During the current Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in the early stages of the lockdown, there have been numerous reports of abuse of power on part of law enforcement personnel. It is not for no reason, then, that there was quite some public anger towards the police in this time of crisis.

And yet, ironically, we need police right now, more than ever. They are essential workers, and need to be deployed throughout the city with extra duties. The virus, we have seen, has not spared the police -- numerous infections have been reported. It is indeed a dangerous and often thankless job.

That is why any truly good initiative on part of the police force must be lauded or encouraged. Surely, we need a ray of hope in these troubling times.

Much of our faith in law enforcement is restored when we see the DMP dispatching essential supplies, like grocery items, to the doorsteps of Dhaka residents, who, due to social distancing, are unable to venture outside.

The police, in association with a volunteer group named “Hello Shop” delivers these supplies to apartment buildings at the ground floor with price tags, from where residents can collect what they require.

This is a picture of cooperation, and going above and beyond the regular call of duty to cater to the need of the times.

We must remember that the world is dealing with a pandemic the likes of which have not been seen in our lifetimes. Only through cooperation, and empathy towards our fellow humans, will we get through this.