Top criminals no longer a threat, but cohorts active: DMP chief
The police commissioner announced a "coordinated security strategy" to root out extortion, drugs, illegal arms, and online gambling
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) acting commissioner Md Sarwar said that while "top-tier" criminals no longer pose a significant threat in the country, mid-level criminals are currently operating by using the names of notorious figures.
Speaking at a briefing at the DMP Media Center today (3 May), the DMP chief noted that current criminal activities are largely internal feuds among criminals rather than direct attacks on the general public.
"Top-tier criminals do not have much of an influence now. Some mid-level criminals or others use their names to commit crimes. They might fight among themselves, but there is not much of an impact on the people," he said.
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The police commissioner announced a "coordinated security strategy" to root out extortion, drugs, illegal arms, and online gambling. He reported that since a special operation began last Friday (1 May), police have arrested 58 listed extortionists and 94 of their associates over the past two days.
"Our only goal is to uproot criminals, bring relief to civic life, and make Dhaka a safer city," he said, adding that the 94 associates would soon be added to the official list of criminals.
The DMP has implemented block raids, checkposts, and increased CCTV surveillance in crime-prone areas, markets, and terminals.
Security has been further tightened in Mohammadpur with a 100-member camp in Bosila, including 66 Armed Police Battalion (APBn) members.
"We are preparing a proposal for a new police station in Mohammadpur, and a proposal for Rayerbazar Police Station is already at the ministry level," Sarwar added.
Addressing the drug trade, the DMP acting commissioner highlighted a shift in focus from small-time peddlers or addicts to "godfathers".
He noted that large consignments of drugs, including 80 kilograms of marijuana seized yesterday, have been recovered recently.
Investigations are underway to file money laundering cases against those financing these syndicates, he said.
Responding to a query about the political affiliations of extortionists, the police commissioner maintained a "zero-tolerance" stance.
"An extortionist is just an extortionist to us. Their identity or influence is not a consideration; they must face the law," he said.
He further warned that anyone lobbying for the release of criminals would be treated as part of the criminal cycle themselves.
The DMP chief urged citizens to provide information on suspicious individuals or online gambling rings, assuring that police across multiple units, including the DB and CTTC, are using modern technology and cyber monitoring to track and arrest criminals even if they flee the capital.
