Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed has warned that police will use force against juvenile gang members if they use weapons, saying law enforcement will act within the legal framework to curb gang violence in the capital.
“Police will use force within the framework of law and regulations,” he said in an exclusive interview with TIMES of Bangladesh at the DMP headquarters on Tuesday morning.
The DMP chief stated that juvenile gangs had become one of the primary challenges for society and law and order in the densely populated capital.
“On average, police are detaining 25 to 30 juvenile gang members every day through operations across Dhaka. The figure is higher in Mohammadpur, where a greater number of gang members are being arrested. Many gang leaders have already been taken into custody,” he said.
He noted, however, that many arrested criminals were later released on bail through court orders, with some reoffending.
“Public participation is essential to maintain law and order. It is impossible to control the situation without the involvement of the community,” he said.
The DMP commissioner said community policing and beat policing were being strengthened, assuring that the safety of citizens participating in these initiatives would be guaranteed.
He urged residents to share intelligence and cooperate with police to prevent crime in their local areas.
Increased checks to curb crime and narcotics
The DMP chief, who previously served as an additional inspector general of police, stated that checkpoints and stop-and-search operations had been stepped up compared to the past.
“Operations and intelligence activities have been intensified to curb the flow of narcotics. If consignments and traffickers can be intercepted at entry points, Dhaka’s drug problem will diminish,” he said.
Mosleh Uddin said police were holding regular open-house sessions to listen to residents, identify local law and order issues, and formulate solutions.
“Police stations are maintaining contact with parents and guardians in various neighbourhoods to ensure they remain vigilant regarding their children. Awareness programmes are also being conducted at educational and religious institutions,” he said.
He added that police were meeting housing committees, residential societies, and social and cultural organisations to seek their cooperation in maintaining public order.
The DMP chief noted that operations had also commenced at battery-operated auto-rickshaw garages, as many criminals use these venues as gathering points.
AI cameras to enhance traffic management
Responding to a query, Mosleh Uddin said the installation of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cameras had reduced traffic congestion at numerous junctions across Dhaka and improved public compliance with traffic rules.
He stated that Dhaka currently operates 30 traffic signals, and the two city corporations are set to install a further 50 signal points within the next three to four months.
Of these, 28 will be installed in Dhaka North City Corporation areas and 22 in Dhaka South City Corporation areas. The DMP will install AI cameras at these locations to manage traffic operations.
Action over AL activities
Responding to another question, the DMP commissioner warned that the deputy commissioner (DC) of the relevant zone and the officer-in-charge (OC) of the respective police station would be held accountable if activities of the banned Awami League or its affiliated organisations, including rallies and meetings, occur anywhere in Dhaka.
“If their explanations prove unsatisfactory, departmental disciplinary action will be taken,” he said.
Other law and order issues
Regarding the discovery of unidentified bodies in Dhaka daily, Mosleh Uddin stated that the identities of almost all victims were being successfully established, barring a few cases.
He noted that identifying the bodies of homeless individuals often posed significant challenges.
Addressing the issue of foreign nationals staying illegally and becoming involved in criminal activities, he said the Detective Branch (DB) was actively monitoring the situation.
Concerning attempts by extremist groups to reorganise and resume operations, the DMP commissioner affirmed that the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit was addressing the matter.
“No such attempts will be permitted to succeed,” he said, urging city residents to cooperate fully with police in upholding law and order.
