DMP to tackle extortion, workers' unrest before Eid

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will crack down on extortionists targeting Eid-ul-Azha and keep a close eye on the garment factories and liaise with owners to prevent recurrence of unrest, usually reported ahead of the festival over payment of workers' salaries.

DMP Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Mia, at the monthly crime conference in the DMP Headquarters yesterday, handed lists of over 200 suspected extortionists and traders of jhut (scrap of fabrics from garment industries) to the crime division's eight deputy commissioners, said several police officials.

Different intelligence agencies prepared the lists including the jhut traders, most of whom have political connections, as they provoke the unrest, said the officials, adding that there has been an instruction not to disclose the names on the lists.

The commissioner ordered taking stern action against them irrespective of their political affiliation, said a deputy commissioner requesting anonymity.

"Alongside the list given, we will conduct drives against criminals based on our intelligence for peaceful celebrations," said an official of Wari Division.

The commissioner also asked his subordinates to sincerely work to mitigate sufferings of people rushing back home and ensure security at cattle markets and bus and launch terminals. Progress in sensational cases was also discussed.