Students from schools and colleges found outside their homes without valid reasons after evening in Cox’s Bazar city will be arrested, Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, deputy inspector general (DIG) of police for the Chattogram Range, has warned.

He urged parents to keep track of where their children go, whom they associate with and what they do.

The DIG made the remarks as the chief guest at a civic gathering titled ‘Preventing violence against women and children and curbing social crimes’ at Shaheed Subhash Hall of Cox’s Bazar Public Library on Saturday afternoon.

He said responsibility for criminal activities in any area should not be placed solely on the individuals involved. Families, neighbours and responsible members of society also have a role to play, particularly in keeping an eye on the activities of teenagers and young people.

He also called on people to speak out if they witness a woman being abused over dowry demands in their neighbourhood.

“Development does not mean only improving roads, buildings and infrastructure; changes in people’s mindsets are equally necessary,” he said.

Calling for joint efforts by police and the public to curb crime in Cox’s Bazar, the DIG said preventing crime was not the sole responsibility of law enforcement agencies.

He stressed that everyone in society must remain aware and act responsibly, adding that a social movement against crime should be built.