The police administration has set Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras on important spots in the district headquarters, upazila towns and highways ahead of Eid, making people feel safer in all four upazilas of the district.

About 150 cameras have already been set up in Jhalakathi Sadar, Rajapur, Nalchhity and Kathalia upazilas under the district. No robbery occurred after setting CCTV cameras in Jhalakathi Sadar around a month ago,” said Md Jubaydur Rahman, superintendent of police (SP), Jhalakathi.

Various crimes have also decreased in three other upazilas after setting of the cameras there two weeks ago, he said.

“Now we don't feel any discomfort in the market as the eve-teasers are not seen after setting the CCTV cameras,” said Nadira Aktar who came for shopping with her families at Rajapur Bazar.

“We always noticed some youths on the way to our college but now they are not seen,” said Tania Aktar, a student of Jhalakathi Government Women's College.

Several girls who came to Kaporpatti market in Jhalakathi Sadar said they are now enjoying Eid shopping without any fear of harassment.

Female students of different schools and colleges of the upazila towns said they now feel safe thinking that there are cameras to watch movement of people.

“I have to keep some furniture outside the restaurant during Ramadan. Last year some furniture was stolen at night but this year CCTV cameras saved me from theft,” said Arun Chandra Shil, a restaurant owner of Rajapur Bazar.  

“Our business houses and traders are operating their business without any fear during this Eid shopping rush, thanks to the setting of the CCTV cameras,” said Md Mahbub, president of Jhalakathi Chamber and Commerce.

“We can carry passengers till night ahead of the Eid as highways seem safe with the cameras,” said Barkot, a rented bike rider of Rajapur Bagri area.

Seeking unanimity, a few youths at Rajapur said during Eid shopping rush, they usually teased the young girls for fun at markets but now they do not go to market without need as they are afraid due to monitoring through CCTV cameras.

Most of the roads of the district will come under the purview of the modern technology-based monitoring within six months, the SP said.