Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali has said that extortion is contributing to the rising prices of essential commodities, causing significant hardship for lower- and middle-income groups, reports Dhaka Tribune.
He added that extortion must be eradicated and revealed that a list of extortionists is being prepared. Operations targeting these individuals will begin within two to three days, and arrests will follow soon after.
The commissioner made these remarks on Saturday during a discussion with police, students, citizens, and residents of the Ramna Model Police Station area at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Kakrail, Dhaka.
Highlighting an increase in snatching incidents in Dhaka, the DMP commissioner said: “Mobile phone snatching has become more frequent. People must remain vigilant when moving about in public spaces.”
Regarding street vendors, he said: “Evicting hawkers completely would be inhumane. However, they are urged to remain disciplined while conducting their business on the streets. No one is allowed to collect extortion money from hawkers.”
The commissioner also addressed traffic safety, saying that motorcycles pose a significant risk, especially when carrying two or three passengers. He vowed to bring order to Dhaka’s traffic system and urged road users to comply with traffic rules.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
