DMP Commissioner Mosleh vows to ignore political, social ties of criminals

Police say special drives against mugging, extortion, cybercrime, other offences are already under way

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed has taken a hard line on mugging and extortion, saying no criminal will be spared on grounds of political or social identity.

Speaking at a meet-the-press at the DMP Media Centre on Wednesday, he said police's position on mugging and all forms of extortion is one of zero tolerance.

"No matter who the criminal is, their political or social identity will not be taken into consideration," he added.

According to him, improving law and order and ensuring public safety are the force's primary goals.

He said special operations against mugging, drug trafficking, youth gang activity, online gambling, cyber fraud and hacking have been running since the first of this month.

A digital forensic laboratory under the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit has received approval and recognition from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, he said, adding that it “will play a landmark role in cyber security and the investigation of related cases.”

Plans have also been drawn up to modernise traffic management to ease congestion in the capital, alongside initiatives to raise awareness among drivers and pedestrians.

"The traffic management system has been made technology-dependent, AI cameras have been installed, and a number of technology-based apps have been launched -- all of which will make DMP more people-friendly and dynamic," he said.

With Eid approaching, special arrangements have been put in place by the DMP to ensure security at cattle markets, shopping malls and residential areas, Mosleh Uddin said.

Bus, launch terminals and railway stations are also covered under the special measures, he added.