DMP chief downplays ‘top gangsters’ presence in Dhaka

He says those active are mostly associates of past “top criminals” or trying to imitate them

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has played down concerns over a resurgence of notorious criminals, suggesting that top gang figures “hardly exist” in the city anymore.

Acting Commissioner Md Sarwar vowed suppression of anyone seeking dominance regardless of circumstances while responding at the Karwan Bazar police camp inauguration on Saturday.

The discussion follows a recent incident on Tuesday where two masked motorcyclists shot a man dead near New Market around 8pm.

Police later identified the dead as Khandaker Naim Ahmed Titon, a name featured on the list of 23 "top criminals" released by the then BNP-Jamaat government in 2001.

Titon, the brother-in-law of another notorious figure, Sanjidul Islam Emon, was historically linked to the Harris-Joseph gang in Mohammadpur.

Asked whether such groups are resurfacing, the police chief said those active now are mostly associates of past figures or individuals attempting to assume similar identities.

He also said the police list of criminals is continuously updated, with monitoring and observation ongoing.

Sarwar urged the public not to be alarmed, promising that the authorities would crack down on those using the names of infamous criminals or trying to rise through the ranks before they could gain a foothold.

He noted that the new Karwan Bazar camp aims to reduce crime to “zero” in the area, encouraging local traders to report grievances either openly or in confidence.

The camp will be manned by 20 officers, backed by the Detective Branch (DB) and other agencies.

Commissioner Sarwar maintained that an ongoing drive against extortionists is in effect, expressing hope that controlling these elements in transport and kitchen markets would eventually lower commodity prices and provide relief to citizens.

Addressing complaints about police reluctance to file cases, he said police stations are required to accept cases.

If not, complainants should approach one of the 24 zonal assistant commissioner offices or the eight crime division deputy commissioners, he added.

He said people should report higher up if stations fail to register cases even after delay.

On the subject of police misconduct, he asserted there is no room for officers to involve themselves in crime.

He warned that any member found engaging in illegal activities, whether secretly or otherwise, would face both departmental and legal action.

The commissioner added that even verbal complaints against officers would be investigated.

During the event, Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam urged the public to report if the camp fails to function effectively.

Similarly, Additional Commissioner of DB Md Shafiqul Islam said information shared confidentially will remain under “highest secrecy” protocols.