The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has intensified a special “crackdown” (sarashi obhijan) across the capital to apprehend extortionists, drug dealers, illegal arms holders, and online gambling syndicates.
Acting DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar announced the move during a press briefing held at the Media Centre on Sunday at 12:00pm.
He said the police have been conducting these reinforced operations since 1 May to ensure the safety and peace of every citizen.
Sarwar explained that an integrated security strategy was adopted following an increase in complaints regarding extortion, drug trafficking, the display of illegal arms, and online gambling.
The operations include special raids and sudden “block raids” in identified crime-prone areas. To prevent criminals from escaping, the DMP is utilising intelligence surveillance and CCTV footage.
The suspects are being verified immediately and sentenced to various terms through summary trials conducted by Special Metropolitan Magistrates.
Highlighting the successes of the last 48 hours, Sarwar reported that 152 extortionists, comprising 58 listed and 94 non-listed individuals, have been detained based on specific intelligence.
Authorities have seized extortion ledgers, transaction records, video clips, and other incriminating evidence.
Sarwar also noted that a large quantity of narcotics has been recovered and active drug dealers arrested under a “zero tolerance” policy towards illegal arms holders.
The crackdown has also targeted digital crime, with the detention of members of online gambling and digital fraud syndicates.
Their mobile phones, servers, laptops, and other digital devices have been seized. To bolster area-based security, permanent and temporary police camps have been established in key locations, including Bosila and Karwan Bazar.
Special monitoring cells are now active in these areas to prevent extortion, and visible policing has been increased in markets and crowded places in coordination with local traders and the public.
Moving forward, the DMP plans to identify new crime-prone areas for further police camp installations and deploy additional CCTV cameras at critical points and roads.
DMP outlined a six-point integrated plan for future operations:
1. Increased hotspot-based surveillance to prevent extortion.
2. Regular block raids and special checkpoints to eradicate drugs.
3. Expansion of intelligence activities to recover illegal arms.
4. Coordinated operations to destroy terrorist networks.
5. Enhanced use of modern technology to combat cyber fraud and online gambling.
6. Strengthening community policing and public engagement in crime-prone areas.
Public awareness campaigns involving the media, social media, leaflets, and community policing will also be intensified.
“Crime suppression is not the sole task of law enforcement; it is a collective social responsibility,” Sarwar remarked, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the DMP Control Room, with an assurance that informant identities will remain confidential.
