Govt beefs up security, orders crackdown on crime

The government today directed law enforcement agencies to update criminal databases at police station levels and take swift action against offenders to improve law and order across the country, including the capital.

A coordinated crackdown is underway against muggers, robbers, juvenile gangs, and crime-prone zones, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a press release.

The implementation of these measures is being closely monitored, said the release signed by Faisal Hasan, the ministry's public relations officer (director).

Among 14 key directives, security has been heightened in Dhaka with increased checkpoints and patrols in key areas. A joint task force, comprising the army, various police units, and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), is conducting intensified operations in targeted zones to curb criminal activities, the release said.

A nationwide special operation, launched on February 8 this year, aims to apprehend identified criminals, terrorists, and syndicates involved in drug trafficking and smuggling. Additionally, workshops on law enforcement, human rights, and environmental considerations have been conducted for police, administrative officers, the judiciary, and public prosecutors to enhance their capacity.

To address security concerns, law enforcement chiefs, deputy police commissioners, and army brigade commanders have been instructed to brief the media on ongoing operations.

Regular patrols on Dhaka's major roads have been reinforced, with additional support from the navy and coast guard.

Law enforcement patrols have been intensified in surrounding areas, including Tongi, Bosila, Keraniganj, and Munshiganj, to prevent crime from spreading into suburban regions.

To improve response times, the government is procuring motorcycles for Dhaka Metropolitan Police, BGB, Ansar, and the Bangladesh Coast Guard for swift patrols in narrow alleys and high-risk areas, according to the home ministry press release.

Steps have also been taken to counter misinformation, rumours, and propaganda by disseminating accurate information to the public.

Senior officials, including the home affairs adviser, the chief adviser's special assistant, the home secretary, the inspector general of police (IGP), and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner, have been conducting surprise inspections at police stations, checkpoints, and patrol sites during late-night and early-morning hours.

The home ministry has assigned a dedicated team to oversee nighttime operations within Dhaka metropolitan.

Meanwhile, case monitoring committees at district and metropolitan levels have been formed to ensure fair legal proceedings, preventing wrongful harassment while holding genuine criminals accountable.

Cases related to the families of July uprising martyrs are being closely monitored to ensure justice, the home ministry added.