Miscreants are roaming around Dhaka city and carrying out suspicious activities in the name of collecting data or offering health services.
MAZ Khan, a resident of the capital's Banani area claimed that a bunch of strangers went around their area offering to help anyone to test for Covid-19.
Desperately Seeking Dhaka (DSD), a Facebook group where MAZ Khan had made a post seeking suggestion from others members, saying: "Salam people, can anyone of you verify if iccddr,b is sending a bunch of young people without proper PPE to conduct tests for Covid-19 for free to random houses in Banani?”
“I have met a bunch of people who came downstairs asking permission to conduct tests. The pessimistic part of me suggests there is something suspicious about them."
A member of the group Mamlukar Rahman commented on the post saying, hold them and call the police.
Another member Tanzila Tajreen commented on the post and said: “I have faced the same incident today. A group of five people came into our house. I called 999 after that.”
There were some reports of attempted break-ins around Dhanmondi, they could be robbers. Call the police if they hang around too long, said Samiul Hasan.
Responding to members,Khan further replied: "We told them we are not interested and they left. They went to one of my friends' houses and he recognized one of them.”
“Turns out they have a bigger agenda in the name of collecting personal information and samples."
Dr Alamgir Hossain, chief scientific officer of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) told Dhaka Tribune, the institution has no chance of going from people to people this way.
"If anyone can recognize those who went with such an offer then inform us, we will take legal action," he said.
On April 18, the police headquarters issued a press note that said to call 999 or the nearest police station to ensure the identification of a person if anyone comes to collect data about a coronavirus infected patient or giving emergency service.
The press note said, it has been observed recently that miscreants are going to people’s houses and taking the chance to do criminal offences in the guise of data collection of coronavirus infected patients or providing emergency services.
In these circumstances, respected citizens are requested to not allow anyone in any condition before getting confirmation of the strangers’ identification or legality of offered activity, the note said.
Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of police headquarters (Media) Md Sohel Rana said that every citizen has the right to know the identity of anyone who comes to them, even a law enforcement member.
“My suggestion is, do not permit any stranger to enter your home and ensure their identity by maintaining a secure and safe distance. If their intention feels suspicious, then call 999 or the nearest police station. If necessary, we will take legal action,” he said.