At Kamarkhand Police Station in Sirajganj, officers are continuing their duties from a decades-old building marked by cracks, exposed reinforcement rods and falling plaster, raising concerns over a possible accident at any time.
The station, located beside the Ullapara regional road on nearly 1.99 acres of land in Kamarkhand upazila, began operations in 1909. The current building was constructed in 1986 and has not undergone any major modernisation despite decades of use.
A visit to the station found clear signs of deterioration across the single-storey structure. Cracks have appeared on the walls and ceilings of office rooms, the kitchen and police barracks. In several places, plaster has fallen off and iron rods from pillars have become visible.
The condition of doors and windows has also deteriorated. During rainfall, water leaks through the roof, creating risks for important official documents and government equipment kept inside.
The deteriorating building has become a daily source of anxiety for police personnel stationed there.
“We work to ensure people’s safety, but there is always fear about our own workplace. The condition of the barracks is also poor. We do not know what could happen at any moment,” a police member said.
Another officer said the building had been suffering from various problems for a long time. “Temporary repairs have allowed us to continue operations, but there has been no permanent solution. The risk of a major accident remains,” he added.
Kamarkhand Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Hashmat Ali said the authorities were aware of the situation.
“We are providing services from a highly risky building. As it has become extremely vulnerable, arrangements have already been made for a temporary tin-roofed structure. We are expected to shift there soon,” he said.
The OC added that the matter of constructing a new building had been informed to the police superintendent and expressed hope that a solution would come soon.
The station currently has police inspectors, sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, constables and other personnel working there. Every day, people from different parts of the upazila visit the station for filing cases, general diaries, complaints and other services.
Local residents said the condition of the police station was a matter of concern not only for officers but also for ordinary people seeking services there.
“Police members risk their lives to protect people. But their own workplace is now unsafe. A new and modern station building would ensure better security for police personnel and improve public services,” said Jailhak, a resident of Paikosha village.
As police officers continue their fight against crime, they are also forced to work under a potentially dangerous roof. The situation has prompted locals to demand that the authorities abandon the vulnerable structure and take immediate steps to build a safe, modern and public-friendly police station before any tragedy occurs.
