Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced intensified special operations against extortionists, drug dealers, armed criminals, and online gamblers in Dhaka city. According to DMP, since the operation began on Friday, a total of 58 listed extortionists and 94 of their associates have been arrested so far.
On Sunday these details were shared by Acting commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Sarwar at a press conference held at the DMP Media Center.
The Acting Commissioner said, that police operations in Dhaka have been strengthened, with the main focus on extortionists. As part of crime control, DMP has adopted an “integrated security strategy” to tackle extortion, drugs, illegal arms, terrorism, and online gambling. “Our goal is clear—eliminate criminals, restore public comfort, and make Dhaka a safer city,” he said.
He added that special drives and sudden “block raids” are being conducted in identified crime-prone areas. Checkposts are being set up as needed, and intelligence surveillance along with CCTV footage analysis is being used to prevent criminals from escaping. Plainclothes members of DMP’s Detective Branch (DB) and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, along with cyber monitoring teams and modern technology, are being used to track criminal activities. Special emphasis is being placed on investigating online gambling, fraud, and technology-based crimes.
Highlighting the success of anti-drug operations, he said, “On Saturday alone, 80 kg of cannabis was recovered, and a significant amount of drugs has been seized over the past week. Previously, small-scale users or dealers were arrested, but in recent weeks, large consignments have been intercepted. Active drug traffickers have been arrested, and efforts are underway to identify the masterminds behind them and file cases, including money laundering charges.”
To strengthen area-based security and ensure public safety, two police camps have been established in key locations such as Bosila and Karwan Bazar. “More camps will be set up in other locations soon. New areas are being identified, and camps will be established gradually. Installation of new CCTV cameras is ongoing at important points, markets, roads, and high-risk areas to quickly identify suspects and prevent crime,” he said.
Issuing a strict warning against lobbying culture, he stated that any attempt to influence the release of criminals will not be tolerated. “Anyone who tries to lobby on behalf of a criminal will be considered part of the criminal network. DMP maintains a zero-tolerance policy in this regard.”
Responding to a question about political affiliations of extortionists, he said, “An extortionist is simply an extortionist. Their identity or affiliation is not important to us. What matters is that they commit crimes. Whoever they are, they are criminals to us, and we are arresting them.
In response to another question, he said that not only local police but also DB and CTTC are involved in the operation. Lists of suspects are shared with all three agencies as well as RAB. “Criminals will be caught one way or another. Whether from the crime scene, their home, or even if they flee to Dinajpur or Rangpur—we will bring them back. There is no escape for them.”
Regarding the list of extortionists, he said it is regularly updated. “The 58 arrested are listed criminals. In addition, 94 others were arrested who were not previously listed but were involved in extortion. Their names will now be added to the list.
On the issue of top criminals, he said, It can be said that there is currently no significant presence of top-tier criminals. However, some mid-level criminals operate using the names of top criminals. While they may clash among themselves, attacks on the general public are rare. Still, we are monitoring them and taking action based on intelligence.
Addressing the security situation in Mohammadpur, he said a 100-member police camp has been established in Bosila, including 66 members from the Armed Police Battalion (APBN), who conduct block raids at any time, day or night. There are two more camps in Mohammadpur. Additionally, a proposal to establish a new police station in Mohammadpur is being finalized, and another proposal for a police station in Rayerbazar is already under consideration at the ministry level.
