Even after the tragic murder of Dhaka University (DU) student Shahriar Alam Shammo, the campus remains vulnerable, with no significant improvement in security.
A 600-metre stretch between TSC and Doel Chattar, now widely referred to as DU's "danger zone," continues to be occupied by vagrants, suspected drug users, and nightly squatters-without oversight or meaningful intervention.
Despite being flanked by key landmarks such as the DU Metro Station and Ramna Kali Temple, the area lacks basic surveillance, adequate lighting, and routine patrols, leaving students exposed to threats and underscoring institutional neglect.
An investigative visit by The Daily Observer on Thursday night revealed multiple security deficiencies along the route from Swapon Mama's tea stall at TSC to the Mariam Bibi Shrine near Doel Chattar. The road was surveyed twice to verify findings.
Only six CCTV cameras were identified along the 600-metre stretch-none positioned at key points like DU Metro Station gates or the Ramna Kali Temple. Of 33 lamp posts, seven were non-functional, creating dark zones. A single fire hydrant cabinet was spotted.
Dr. Mosaddek Hossain Kamal, Director of the DU ICT Cell, confirmed there are no ICT-monitored CCTV cameras in the area. The few that exist are managed by individual institutions. Additional Director Mostak Ahmed stated he lacks system access, and Technical Officer Md. Habibur Rahman said he would need three days to confirm camera statuses.
Notably, there are no cameras from Metro Rail pillar numbers 543 to 562. Landmarks on the east side of the road-including the DU Metro Station, Ramna Kali Temple, Mausoleum of the Three Leaders, Dhaka Gate, and Mariam Bibi Shrine-lack surveillance coverage.
A glaring gap was the absence of CCTV at both north (Gate A) and south (Gate B) entrances of the DU Metro Station, confirmed by an Ansar member near Pillar 549 at 12:36 AM Thursday.
Images captured at the DU Metro Station highlight public safety and hygiene crises. The station is routinely used as a sleeping space by rickshaw pullers and the homeless.
Makeshift beds, personal hygiene activities in open spaces, blocked staircases and lift entrances, and scattered waste signal both neglect and prolonged informal habitation.
