TDS Desk:

In response to escalating concerns about safety in Dhaka, a new community-led initiative known as Emergency Response Effort (ERE) has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Originally launched as a WhatsApp group, this initiative was created to provide a support network for residents of Banani, Gulshan, and Baridhara in the face of rising incidents of mob attacks, robberies, and looting.

What began as a small group quickly grew to over 3000 members in 5 days, reflecting the urgent need for collective action and support. The group’s rapid expansion underscores the high level of concern among residents over the security situation, particularly in the absence of adequate police presence.

The initiative gained significant momentum through the collaboration of local community (Gulshan, Banani & Baridhara) and societies led by Omar Sadat, Almas Kabir, Shawkat Ali Bhuiyan (Dilan) and Apon Ahsan. These groups have contributed valuable resources and manpower to strengthen the community’s response efforts. Additionally, private security firms including Elite Force, MAX Secure, Securex, EuroVigil and Guarda Shield have joined forces to provide professional security services, further enhancing the group’s capabilities.

Through their collective efforts, this community has successfully thwarted multiple attempts of robbery, looting, and harassment. The initiative now boasts a robust membership of 3000 individuals, supported by several hundred dedicated volunteers who are actively patrolling and managing security across the Tri-state area.

In a significant development, the group is now working to establish closer coordination with local police stations to bolster safety and security further.

The Emergency Response Effort (ERE) initiative was founded by Atef Hasan, DrohiRakshand, Saad Abdullah, Md Bazlul Huq Baizid, Azwaad Sabbir, and Rakin S Kabir, residents of the tri-state with additional support provided by Korvi Rakshand, Farmina Hossain, Ashfi Ahmed, Tajriyaan, Samiha Akhter, and Mishak Ahmed.

“The Guardians of the Tri-State” exemplify the power of community solidarity and collaborative action in addressing urgent safety concerns and restoring a sense of security in the region.