No major top criminals active in Dhaka now: DMP chief

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) acting commissioner Md Sarwar has claimed that there are currently no major “top criminals” operating in the capital, adding that any emerging criminal actors will be suppressed before they can gain influence.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a police camp in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar today (2 May), he said law enforcement agencies are maintaining strict monitoring to prevent the re-emergence of organised crime networks. 

“We are continuing our monitoring and surveillance. Anyone attempting to rise will be curbed before they can establish themselves,” he said.

The DMP chief added that the list of top criminals in the capital is being regularly updated as part of ongoing crime control efforts.

He said multiple agencies, including the Detective Branch (DB) and the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, are working in coordination to maintain law and order in the Karwan Bazar area. The newly established police camp is expected to help curb extortion and other crimes, with officers deployed round the clock.

Local businessmen will be able to provide information confidentially or openly, and immediate action will be taken, he said, adding that additional forces will be deployed if necessary.

Sarwar also noted that special drives against extortion and narcotics are already underway in Dhaka, with several arrests made. Surveillance has been intensified across different parts of the capital, with regular drives conducted under senior official’s supervision. 

Responding to a question, he said victims can contact assistant commissioners (ACs), deputy commissioners (DCs), or senior officials of the DMP crime division if police stations refuse to file cases. 

Complaints against police will also be investigated and addressed accordingly, added the DMP chief.