CMP bans ‘330 listed criminals’ from entering city

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has imposed restrictions on "330 listed criminals", barring them from entering or staying within the metropolitan area in the interest of public safety and law and order. The directive was issued today (17 January) through a public notice signed by CMP Commissioner Hasib Aziz.

The list includes top criminals like Boro Sajjad, who is reportedly absconding abroad, Choto Sajjad and Burma Saiful, who are in jail, several leaders of the Awami League, Juba League and Chhatra League, including former mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, former minister Muhibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, former MP Fazle Karim, former councillor Esrarul Hoque, and former Chhatra League leader Nurul Azam Rony, and many others.

According to the notice, the order has been enforced under sections 40, 41 and 43 of the CMP Ordinance, empowering police to take preventive measures to ensure public security and protect lives and property in the city. Under the order, listed individuals have been instructed to leave the Chattogram metropolitan area immediately.

They have also been prohibited from entering or staying in the city until further notice. The notice states that the decision was taken to maintain peace and discipline in the metropolitan area and to prevent criminal activities by individuals identified as members of notorious criminal groups.

Police also warned that legal action would be taken immediately against anyone found violating the directive. The 12-page list containing the names of the barred individuals has been attached to the public notice. Confirming the notice, CMP Assistant Commissioner (PR and Media) Aminur Rashid told The Business Standard that all those included in the list are involved in criminal activities of varying degrees.

"Everyone on this list is linked to crimes, both minor and serious. They are habitual offenders, and police preventive records exist against each of them," he said. Explaining the objective of the move, he said the primary goal is to ensure public safety, improve law and order, and prevent any disruption ahead of the elections.

"This step has been taken using the lawful authority of the honourable police commissioner so that elections can be held smoothly, without obstacles or intimidation," he said.

The CMP official noted that some of the listed individuals are currently in jail, while others are staying in different locations. "If anyone on the list is released from jail or found entering the city, action will be taken immediately," he said.

He also warned that violating the restriction would result in additional legal charges. "If they are found within the metropolitan area in violation of this order, a separate and additional charge will be added against them, over and above their existing cases," Aminur said. Police are conducting drives to arrest the listed individuals wherever they are found, whether inside or outside the metropolitan area, he added.