‘No leniency for criminals’
The newly appointed Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, has declared a zero tolerance policy against snatching and extortion in the capital.
He made these remarks while facing the press at a “Meet the Press” event held at the DMP Media Centre on Wednesday.
He stated that no leniency will be shown to criminals, regardless of who they are. He also warned that volunteers who have been manning the capital’s roads since August 5 will not be tolerated if they mistreat ordinary citizens.
The DMP Commissioner said that police will take immediate action upon receiving any tip-off about criminal activity, and if any officer neglects to act on such information, the DMP will take action against that officer as well.
He stressed that no middlemen will be allowed in police stations, and any officer obstructing service-friendly policing will face strict consequences.
He further noted that a list of teenage gang members has been compiled, many of whom have already been brought under the law, with ongoing operations to apprehend the rest. He also mentioned that top criminals released on bail after August 5 who have returned to criminal activity are being targeted in sweeping operations.
Ahead of Eid ul-Adha, the Commissioner said that maximum priority is being given to the security of cattle markets, Eid congregations, shopping malls, and residential areas. Special security arrangements have been made at bus terminals, launch ghats, and railway stations to ensure safe travel for homebound people. Strict action will be taken against overcharging fares and carrying excess passengers.
Detective Branch and local police have been put on full alert against drugging gangs, pickpockets, snatchers, and counterfeit currency ahead of Eid. Citizens were advised to use bank transactions instead of carrying large amounts of cash, and to seek police assistance for high-value financial dealings.
On broader law and order, he urged society to collectively resist extortion and drug activity, encouraging people to report crimes – including snatching, extortion, or gang activity – to police immediately, or call 999.
On traffic, the Commissioner acknowledged it as one of Dhaka’s biggest problems and said the DMP is adopting new action plans to modernize traffic management. AI cameras have been installed at major intersections, and e-prosecution based on video footage of traffic violations has been launched, already showing improved road compliance.
On cybercrime, he said the DMP’s cyber unit is being progressively strengthened to combat hacking, cyberbullying, online gambling, and fraud. The Digital Forensic Lab recently established under DMP’s CTTC has received recognition from the ICT Ministry, which he described as a landmark development for cybersecurity case investigations.
Calling the media a mirror of society, Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said the DMP works around the clock to build a safe, crime-free, and peaceful capital – and that the press remains a vital partner in that mission.
