Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed has announced a further intensification of operations against juvenile gangs in Mohammadpur, declaring that juvenile gangs will no longer exist in the area.
Speaking at a law and order views-exchange meeting with citizens at Bosila Police Lines in Mohammadpur on Saturday afternoon, he said the phrase “juvenile gang” itself will cease to exist.
The DMP commissioner said citizens highlighted three primary concerns in their speeches: juvenile gangs, illicit drugs, and snatching.
However, a majority of residents acknowledged that juvenile gang activity and drug trading have decreased compared to earlier, while police statistics show snatching is also largely under control.
Comparing crime statistics of the past three months with the preceding three months reveals an improved picture regarding juvenile gangs, drugs, and snatching.
Nonetheless, Mosleh emphasised that law and order cannot be judged by statistics alone, as citizens want Mohammadpur completely free of snatching, juvenile gangs, or drugs – a target the police force is actively working towards.
Public resistance and accountability
Reiterating a “zero tolerance” policy against drugs and juvenile gangs, the commissioner stressed that the police cannot eradicate these issues in isolation without public cooperation.
Describing public resistance as the greatest strength with global precedents, he said if the residents of Mohammadpur build area-based resistance alongside the police, no drugs or juvenile gangs can exist in the locality.
He acknowledged, however, that there is a shortfall in efforts that must be admitted.
To reinforce local security, Mosleh instructed officers of Tejgaon Division to further strengthen beat policing across eight beats under Mohammadpur Police Station and bring beat officers under accountability.
Garages and gang dens targeted
He revealed that the police possess comprehensive lists of drug spots and juvenile gang hideouts in Mohammadpur, with ongoing drives being conducted based on these records.
He ordered that operations at every drug spot and gang den be further escalated, alongside regular drives at rickshaw and auto-rickshaw garages.
“Anyone found inside auto-rickshaw garages at night must be arrested,” the DMP commissioner directed.
He announced that Special Response Battalion (SRB) and the DMP will operate jointly against juvenile gangs, conducting daily operations with citizen cooperation to make Mohammadpur gang-free as soon as possible.
Action against muggers and new police camp
On the issue of snatching, he reiterated zero tolerance, warning that strict legal action will be taken if muggers carry knives, firearms, cleavers, or other domestic weapons to attempt attacks or snatching.
He added that force and weapons would be legally deployed if necessary.
Outlining infrastructure plans, the DMP commissioner disclosed a proposal to establish a police camp at Chandrima Housing to further upgrade Mohammadpur’s law and order.
He explained that a five-katha plot designated for the camp is currently subject to court litigation, and a facility will be built under police management once a favourable verdict is delivered.
He urged citizens to assist law enforcement through community policing as well as ward-based anti-drug and anti-juvenile gang committees.
The meeting was attended by Director General of RAB Ahsan Habib Palash, DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Osman Gani, RAB-2 Commander Naimul Hasan, Tejgaon Division Deputy Commissioner Ibne Mizan, representatives of various political parties in Mohammadpur, local residents, and senior police officials.
Law enforcement officers listened to various crime grievances directly from Mohammadpur residents during the session and assured them of resolute measures to eradicate crime.
