Police plan ‘all-out action’ against criminals

Police have planned an “all-out action” against extortionists, drug dealers, land grabbers, teenage gangs and armed criminals amid growing concern over their activities in Dhaka and elsewhere.

Police officials said they have been instructed to arrest offenders regardless of political affiliation, file cases under the Land Crime Prevention and Remedy Act over land-grabbing complaints, and expand Quick Response Teams (QRTs). Block raids and other operations have already begun in identified areas of the capital.

On Tuesday night, police conducted a major operation in Adabor, where two alleged criminals were reportedly shot and injured.

At a monthly crime review meeting earlier that day, IGP Md Ali Hossain Fakir instructed field-level officers to take strict action against drug dealers, criminals and extortionists. He said political identity should not be considered and that offenders must be treated simply as criminals.

Police said operations against armed criminals, teenage gangs and drug dealers are ongoing across Dhaka. Authorities have also formed QRTs in different ranges, comprising personnel from several law enforcement agencies, to respond jointly if the law-and-order situation deteriorates.

Police headquarters has also instructed units to take action under the Land Crime Prevention and Remedy Act in cases involving land grabbing and counter-grabbing. The 2023 law covers offences including forcible occupation of land and attempts to evict lawful occupants.

Meanwhile, officials have indicated that joint forces could conduct special operations if necessary, although no final decision has been made on any large-scale joint operation.