DMP claim to have gathered information on 4 million tenants

Police have collected information on over four million people from Dhaka’s house owners, who had been told to furnish information about their tenants. 

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 4 May 2016, 03:37 PM
Updated : 4 May 2016, 03:37 PM

The data was now being verified, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Mia, while briefing reporters on Wednesday.

The DMP began the data-collection drive last November after unearthing several militant hideouts in rented flats that were also used as bomb-making cells.  

“I am very happy to announce that we have already got the information forms of four million tenants.”

“We are visiting the neighbourhoods to verify the forms that appear doubtful. We will take legal steps if discrepancies are found.” 

Policemen will go to each of the addresses to make sure the information provided is correct, the DMP chief said.

The initiative was to end before Mar 15 but many felt disinclined to submit their details after a writ petition challenged drive’s legality. But the court scrapped the plea without imposing any embargo. 

The DMP chief also urged those who had not filled the forms to do so at the earliest.

“This allows us to prevent crimes before they happen. And if a crime is committed, this will enable us to identify those responsible.”

He also asked house owners in the capital to find out more about prospective tenants before renting out their premises.

“I will request that you inquire about their profession… about the furniture they will bring in, and also to keep an eye on their movements.”

He said the reason militants rent homes for a short period is simply to organise their activities. “They identify themselves as students or small-time traders. They don’t usually have a lot of luggage,” said Mia.

The DMP is planning to form surveillance teams in each neighbourhood comprising an elected Ward representative, journalists, professionals, politicians and police.

“The work began seven days ago. Their job will be to watch the movements of people coming to the neighbourhood and check if they are involved in any crime. They will report to police if anyone’s behaviour is found to be suspicious.”