United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested a total of 152 alleged extortionists during a special drive conducted across the capital over the 48 hours. The information was disclosed by DMP acting Commissioner Md Sarwar at a press briefing held at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday noon. He said ensuring security, comfort and a peaceful life for city residents remains a key commitment of the police. “As part of that effort, a coordinated special drive has been intensified since May 1 targeting extortionists, drug traffickers, armed criminals and online gambling networks across the city.” According to the acting DMP chief, the operation is part of a broader security strategy aimed at improving law and order and curbing crime nationwide in line with the government’s commitments. He said law enforcement agencies are conducting targeted operations in crime-prone areas, including sudden block raids, setting up checkpoints, and increasing intelligence surveillance alongside CCTV monitoring to restrict escape routes of offenders. Sarwar said suspected persons are being punished through mobile courts after scrutinising their offences, while major offenders are being processed through regular case procedures and sent to court. He added that joint efforts involving local thana, Detective Branch, Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime, plainclothes officers and cyber monitoring teams are being carried out using modern technology to track criminal activities, particularly online fraud and gambling. During the 48-hour drive, police arrested 58 listed extortionists and 94 associated members based on specific intelligence. Highlighting other successes, the acting DMP chief said 80 kilograms of cannabis were recovered in a drive on Saturday, alongside arrests of active drug traffickers. In recent weeks, law enforcement has shifted focus from small drug users and petty dealers to larger consignments, recovering over 100,000 Yaba tablets, around half a kilogram of heroin, and more than 200 kilograms of cannabis in separate operations, he said. Sarwar also said investigations are underway to identify and prosecute the “godfathers” behind drug networks, with steps being taken to file cases, including money laundering, in coordination with relevant units such as Criminal Investigation Department. He reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy on illegal arms holders, saying operations against online gambling operators and digital fraud rings are ongoing. To strengthen area-based security, police have already set up two camps in Bosila and Karwan Bazar, with plans to establish more in other important locations soon, the acting DMP chief added.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday directed law enforcement agencies to eliminate middlemen from police stations across the country, including those under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). He issued the directive while visiting Ramna Model Police Station in the capital where he inspected different sections including detention rooms (thana Hajat room) and reviewed the overall environment. During the visit, the Home Minister also spoke with the Officer-in-Charge and other on-duty police personnel, inquired about their work conditions and listened to their concerns. Emphasising integrity and professionalism, he instructed police members to provide services to the public with honesty, fairness and sincerity. He warned that strict action would be taken if any police officer or member found guilty of negligence or corruption.

Acting Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Sarwar on Saturday said law enforcers will take swift action to prevent criminals from resurfacing in the capital. He said the list of top criminals is being regularly updated as part of ongoing efforts to control crime, he said while speaking at the inauguration of a new police camp at Karwan Bazar in Dhaka. “Unlike before, there are no major top-listed criminals at present. However, their associates or those trying to establish influence in the underworld are under close monitoring,” he said. He said the DMP, along with Detective Branch (DB) and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, is working in coordination to maintain law and order in Karwan Bazar area. The newly established police camp is expected to play a key role in controlling extortion and other crimes in the area, he said, adding that police personnel will remain deployed round the clock. Immediate action will be taken based on information provided by local traders and additional force will be deployed if necessary, he said. The DMP official said special drives against extortion and drugs have already been launched in the capital, leading to several arrests. These drives will continue, alongside strengthened covert surveillance across different areas. Replying to a query, he said victims can contact the concerned Assistant Commissioner (AC), Deputy Commissioner (DC), or senior officials of DMP’s crime division if any police station refuses to record a case. He added that any complaint against police will be investigated seriously and necessary action will be taken. Sarwar expressed hope that the ongoing measures will significantly reduce crimes in Dhaka and said the special drives against all forms of crime, including extortion, will be further intensified.

Dhaka University metro rail station will remain non-operational on Tuesday (Pahela Baishakh), the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) said on Monday. Besides, Shahbagh station will remain closed until 12 pm, it said. The metro rail authorities expressed sincere apologies for the temporary inconvenience caused to passengers. Extensive security measures have been taken to ensure that people from all walks of life can celebrate the Bengali New Year peacefully, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Dhaka Metropolitan area has been divided into nine sectors and 14 sub-sectors for effective security management. A large number of police personnel both in uniform and plainclothes will be deployed in each area. Specialised units including dog squads and bomb disposal teams will conduct sweeping operations at key venues. Fourteen security checkpoints with barricades will be set up in areas including Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Dhaka University and cisitors will be screened using archways and handheld metal detectors at entry points. Surveillance will be strengthened through CCTV cameras, video and still cameras, and drones. Observation towers will be installed, rooftops will be monitored, and special forces will also be deployed, he added. To prevent eve-teasing, mugging, and pickpocketing, plainclothes teams will remain active, while additional monitoring systems will be in place to control unauthorised hawker entry. Organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University, Baishakhi Shobhajatra will begin at 9am and follow a route from the faculty through Shahbagh, TSC, and Doel Chattar before returning to the starting point. The entire procession route will remain under strict security and all programmes must conclude by 6pm, said DMP Acting Commissioner Md Sarwar on Sunday .

An alleged key figure in the teen gang crime scene, known as ‘Alex Iman’ (presumably an alias), was killed in a clash between two rival groups over territorial dominance in the capital’s Mohammadpur area on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4:30pm on the slope of the Beribadh road in the Rayerbazar Boddhijibi area under Mohammadpur Police Station, said Jewel Rana, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Tejgaon Division. Police said Iman, described as the leader of the ‘Alex Group’ and an accused in multiple cases including murder, was critically injured during the clash. He was taken to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment at the emergency department. Following the incident, members of Rayerbazar Police Outpost conducted a drive and arrested three suspects from the spot.

Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has launched a special drive to free footpaths and roads from illegal occupation in the capital. The drive was conducted simultaneously from 10 am on both sides of roads in different  areas including Moghbazar rail crossing area to Banglamotor area, Phulbaria Bus Stand-Bakshibazar to Chakharpool, Nightingle Intersection to Arambagh. Bsides, Dholaipar to Jatrabari and Faruk Sarani, Indira Road, Green Road, Ananda Cinema Hall, Bashundhara and KarwanBazar area, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Taltala, Bhashantek and Mirpur-14 and BNS Centre to House Building North Tower and Kakoli Outgoing. The drive will be carried out from April 1 to April 5 at different locations and times, said Arifa Akhter Preeti, Assistant Police Commissioner of the Media and Public Relations Division of DMP. Prior to the eviction drive, DMP asked the traders and shop owners to remove their goods from footpaths and roads. However, belongings of those who failed to comply were removed during the drive and fines were imposed in some cases.  

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has formed a committee to investigate an incident at a shop in the Moghbazar Vishal Center. Alongside, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station has been closed. DMP’s Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Muhammad Talebur Rahman confirmed the information in a press release on Wednesday. According to the release, on Mar 20, an unexpected situation arose at a showroom linked to the market committee over a promotional offer on panjabis. A committee has been formed to examine the involvement of any police personnel in the incident. In this context, the acting OC of Hatirjheel Police Station has been attached to DMP Headquarters, and an ASI has been attached to Rajarbagh Police Lines. Further action will be taken based on the recommendations of the investigation committee.  

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken comprehensive and coordinated security measures for Eid-ul-Fitr congregations across the capital and no specific threat has been detected. Acting DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar made the remarks on Thursday while briefing reporters after inspecting security arrangements at the National Eidgah. A total of 1,771 Eid congregations are set to be held at 121 Eidgahs and 1,599 mosques in Dhaka, he said. He said the main congregation at the National Eidgah Maidan will begin at 8:30am where over 35,000 devotees are expected to offer prayers. Five congregations will also be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, with the first starting at 7:00am. In addition, the Dhaka North City Corporation will organise an Eid congregation at the old Trade Fair ground in Agargaon.  Besides three congregations will be held in Dhaka on Friday following Eid celebration in Saudi Arabia, while eight other congregations will be arranged by the Shia community on the the same day. Sarwar said DMP has adopted coordinated and comprehensive security measures for all Eid congregations, including at the National Eidgah and Baitul Mukarram mosque. Responding to a query on security concerns, he said there is no threat but intelligence agencies remain active and will inform law enforcement agency if any issue arises, ensuring preparedness to tackle any situation. He added that multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place at the National Eidgah, including archways and metal detectors at entry points, along with CCTV surveillance across the venue and surrounding area. Barricades will be set up at Matsya Bhaban, Jatiya Press Club and Shikkha Bhaban area to restrict vehicular movement, allowing only pedestrians to access the Eidgah. Police patrol will be active around the venue, and all attendees must enter through designated gates. The area will also be swept by CTTC dog squads and Special Branch teams, while DMP’s bomb disposal unit will remain on standby. Members of SWAT, DB in plain clothes and CTTC will be deployed to ensure an additional security tiers. Coordination with other law enforcement agencies will be maintained, while fire service units and emergency medical teams will remain ready. On traffic management, the acting DMP commissioner said diversions will be in place at Zero Point crossing, Government Employees Hospital, High Court crossing, Press Club link road, Foreign Ministry rear lane, Paltan crossing, Police Control Room gap and Matsya Bhaban crossing. Devotees will have to walk from these points to reach the Eidgah. He urged the city dwellers not to bring bags or any items to the venue and to cooperate with security checks. Any suspicious activity should be reported to nearby police or by calling 999. Sarwar also said adequate police will be deployed across the capital during Eid, including deployment of traffic sergeants to prevent over speeding on city roads.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken a special security plan to ensure the safety of city residents during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Besides, city residents, who have no relatives and fear leaving valuables at home during Eid can keep their gold ornaments and other important items safely at police stations if necessary. DMP acting commissioner Md Sarwar made the remarks at a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road in the capital on Sunday. He said special security measures have been taken at four bus terminals, one launch terminal and railway stations in the capital ahead of Eid. Alongside uniformed police, detectives will also perform duties to ensure passengers’ safety. Mobile courts led by judicial and executive magistrates are being operated to prevent overcharging of fares, ticket black marketing and passenger harassment, he said. The acting DMP commissioner said special drives are being conducted in different areas to maintain normal law and order in the capital ahead of Eid. Regular block raids and operations are being carried out against snatchers, drug traders and members of juvenile gangs. The acting chief of the DMP said the capital becomes largely empty during Eid holidays and patrol activities have been intensified to prevent any criminal activities during that time. Additional checkpoints will also be set up at different places, with special surveillance in residential, commercial and diplomatic areas. Members of the Armed Police Battalion, dog squad, SWAT team and  bomb disposal unit will also be deployed to maintain law and order, he added. Sarwar urged city dwellers to properly lock doors and windows before leaving homes during Eid, keep CCTV cameras functional and ensure adequate lighting around their houses. He also advised passengers not to accept food from strangers while travelling and to keep cash and valuables under their own custody. He asked citizens to contact the national emergency service at 999 if necessary and inform police immediately about any suspicious movement. He said additional police will be deployed across the capital during Eid and security will be strengthened at important points so that city residents can celebrate the festival safely. He also said truck, lorry and covered van movement—except those carrying essential goods—will remain suspended for three days before and after Eid to ensure smooth passenger movement. Additional traffic police will be deployed on major entry and exit roads of Dhaka, he added.

The Special Metropolitan Magistrate of Dhaka Metropolitan Police disposed of 2,273 criminal cases and 1,778 traffic cases in February this year through summary trials. A total of 3,706 people were arrested and produced before the summary courts. Of them, 2,113 were given different jail terms. Law Official (District Judge) Mohammad Ataul Haque said the arrests were made by DMP divisions including Motijheel, Tejgaon, Wari, Gulshan, Mirpur, Ramna, Lalbagh and Uttara during February. The court fined the accused a total of Tk 2,32,950 in criminal cases and sentenced to different terms of imprisonment to 2,113 people. In traffic cases, police filed 1,833 cases in February. The magistrate disposed of 1,778 cases, including 359 pending cases, and fined offenders Tk 6,44,400. It is notable that minor offences and cases with lighter punishment can be tried under summary procedure at the Special Metropolitan Magistrate Court as per the Code of Criminal Procedure.