Snatching and extortion have become major challenge: DMP Commissioner

Snatching and extortion have become a big challenge, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed. He said that strict operations against extortion, robbery, drugs, juvenile gangs, online gambling and cybercrime will continue in the capital. Whoever the culprit is, his political or social identity will not be considered.

He said these things at the 'Meet the Press' program organized at the DMP Media Center on Minto Road in the capital on Wednesday (May 20). This was his first press conference after taking charge as DMP Commissioner.

Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said that one of the commitments of the current government is to improve law and order and ensure public safety. The police wants to work as servants of the people by keeping in mind the slogan 'My police, my country; Bangladesh first'.

He said that robbery, extortion, drugs, juvenile gangs, online gambling, cyber fraud and hacking have become major challenges in this capital of about 30 million people. The DMP has started a special operation from May 1 to curb these crimes.

The DMP Commissioner said that the operation against extortionists, armed terrorists, drug dealers and those involved in online fraud is continuing. A 'zero tolerance' policy has been implemented against robbery and extortion.

The Commissioner said that the DMP's cyber unit is being further strengthened to combat technology-based crimes. He said that the police are working to prevent cyber hacking, cyber bullying, online gambling and fraud.

At the time, he mentioned that the Digital Forensic Lab established under the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit of the DMP has recently received recognition from the ICT Ministry. It will play an important role in investigating cases related to cyber security laws.

Citing traffic congestion as one of the biggest problems in the capital, Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said that technology-based initiatives have been taken to modernize and make traffic management effective.

He said that AI-based cameras have been installed at important intersections and prosecution against traffic law violations has been launched based on video footage. He claimed that the tendency to obey the law on the roads is increasing.

The DMP Commissioner said that the facility for citizens to file general diaries (GDs) online is available. In addition, 'Hello DMP' has been launched to share information related to crimes and 'Hotel Boarder Information System' has been launched to identify suspicious persons staying in hotels.

He said that emphasis is being placed on increasing technological capacity to make the DMP more people-friendly, dynamic and accountable.

The DMP Commissioner also announced that special security measures will be taken in the capital on the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

He said that additional security will be ensured in sacrificial animal markets, Eid congregations, shopping malls and residential areas. Special security will also be strengthened at bus terminals, launch piers and railway stations.

He also said that strict action will be taken against charging excessive fares and carrying excess passengers.

Calling for caution in carrying cash during Eid, he suggested using banking channels. He also said that taking police assistance in large transactions is necessary.

Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said that ensuring the security of a huge city like Dhaka is not possible for the police alone. The cooperation of the city residents is needed for the sustainable development of law and order.

He urged that if there is information about robbers, extortionists, juvenile gangs or any other crime in any area, the police should be informed immediately. He also advised calling the national emergency service number 999 if necessary.

Addressing journalists, he said that the media can play an important role in raising public awareness by highlighting the good works of the police in addition to constructive criticism. He also commented that if the police, the public and the media work together, it is possible to make Dhaka a safer city.