AI cameras face security risks within hours of installation

Hasan-Uz-Zaman

The theft of artificial intelligence (AI) automated cameras just hours after their activation to restore order on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway has sparked intense fear and concern among the public. Earlier, components of AI cameras were also stolen at 300 Feet in Dhaka. Because these cameras installed for security purposes remain exposed, questions have been raised about both the future of the traffic automation process and the overall law and order situation. Concerned citizens remark that if the very technology deployed for public safety and order lacks security itself, it will create a deep crisis of public confidence. Police Headquarters AIG (Media) Shahadat Hossain stated that these are state assets that everyone should protect, and they can only be safeguarded through collective public awareness.

According to sources at Police Headquarters and the Highway Police, 1,427 AI cameras have been installed across 490 points over a 250-kilometer stretch from Narayanganj’s Signboard to Chittagong City Gate on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway to reduce road accidents and restore traffic discipline. On Tuesday afternoon, Home Minister Mr. Salahuaddin Ahmed inaugurated this technology at the Meghnaghat area in Sonargaon, Narayanganj. An automated fine system was introduced using these 1,427 AI-equipped cameras. On the very first day of activation, 434 cases were filed against various traffic violations on the highway. However, alarmingly, just one day after the inauguration of this modern technology, a man named Faruk was arrested on Wednesday night for attempting to steal a newly installed AI camera. Daudkandi Highway Police Station OC Premdas Roy stated that around 1:30 AM on Wednesday, Faruk climbed pillar number 179 on the Dhaka-bound lane of the highway in the Raipura area of Daudkandi, Comilla, to steal AI camera components. Spotting him in the act, local residents caught him red-handed. Police later arrested him, filed a case on charges of attempting to steal government property, and produced him before the court, which remanded him to prison.

Police Superintendent of the Highway Comilla Region, Mr. Mohammad Shahinur Alam Khan, stated that the AI cameras installed on the highway are state assets playing a vital role in maintaining road safety and discipline. He noted that the police remain vigilant to protect these cameras while appealing for public cooperation to safeguard government property.

Earlier, a sensational incident occurred involving the theft of specialized AI cameras installed to alleviate traffic congestion and catch traffic violators in Dhaka Metropolitan. Unknown miscreants dismantled and stole components of a high-tech camera installed in the Elevated Expressway area adjacent to Purbachal 300 Feet in the capital, leaving hanging wires visible beside the camera rig. The initial news of the stolen AI camera components caused a widespread stir. The theft of equipment meant for law enforcement surveillance in plain public view triggered extensive humor and criticism across social media, leading many to question the efficacy of surveillance in public safety and CCTV-controlled areas. However, following an investigation, police denied the theft of AI camera parts, stating that the camera had broken due to a storm.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media and Public Relations Division Deputy Commissioner N M Nasiruddin stated he was unaware of AI cameras being stolen in Dhaka or any cases filed regarding such incidents. Similarly, he did not have precise figures on how many signals currently have active AI cameras, noting that the DMP Traffic Division could confirm those details.

However, when asked about the matter on Thursday afternoon, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in charge of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Mr. Anisur Rahman, told Inqilab that the report of camera theft at 300 Feet was incorrect, explaining that the act of installing the camera had been misconstrued as theft. Regarding the prevention of state asset theft, he remarked that theft in our country is neither surprising nor rare, describing it as a common occurrence, though adding that efforts would be made to prevent it. The DMP Traffic official informed that AI cameras are active across 14 key signal points in Dhaka as automatic signal points, with two additional cameras recently placed at two points in 300 Feet, specifically at DOHS and Lake Road.

Sources reveal that to digitize the chaotic road system, DMP launched this automated traffic surveillance system at critical points such as the Shahbagh Hotel InterContinental intersection, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, and Jahangir Gate. Through this technology, vehicles violating traffic signals can be identified instantly and issued automated citations. Authorities plan to bring over 500 major intersections in Dhaka under this system incrementally, with government plans to extend this AI camera surveillance system across all major national highways following an evaluation of its effectiveness.

Concerned experts note that compared to standard CCTV cameras, the processor chipsets, high-resolution night-vision lenses, and sensors of AI cameras are considerably valuable, allowing thieves to sell them on the black market for high prices. They emphasize that these cameras need to be installed on street or highway poles at heights inaccessible to thieves. Additionally, an automated alert should trigger in the central control room if anyone tampers with the cameras or their mounting boxes, or small GPS trackers should be integrated into the main internal circuits so thieves can be caught via live location tracking even if components are stolen. Otherwise, protecting this modern technological infrastructure built at the cost of millions of taka will remain a formidable challenge.