Govt announces ‘stringent operation’ in ‘target areas’ to curb crime

In the face of questions regarding law and order in the country, the government has decided to conduct a “stringent” crackdown in “target areas” across Dhaka amid the ongoing “Operation Devil Hunt” by the joint forces.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the “Core Committee on Law and Order” chaired by Home Affairs Advisor Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday, a post on Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus’s verified Facebook page said on Tuesday.

Setting out a list of nine directives, it said: "Checkpoints will be increased at important points in the capital. The number of patrols will be increased in crime-prone areas. A joint force will be formed by the Bangladesh Army, various units of the police, and BGB members to conduct a strong operation in target areas.”

“Patrol teams from the Navy and the Coast Guard will be deployed on some important roads in the capital.”

The heads of police units, deputy police commissioners, and the heads of the Army brigades deployed in the field, and other responsible officers will brief the media from time to time in each case.

In addition, motorcycles will be purchased for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Ansar and Bangladesh Coast Guard personnel, so that criminals can be “caught” by immediate patrols in alleys.

Arrests will be conducted in joint forces operations in “potential places” where robbers may be located, the statement said.

“Law-enforcing agencies will also increase patrols outside Dhaka city, especially in the Tongi, Bosila, Keraniganj and Munshiganj areas.”

“Five hundred APBn [Armed Police Battalion] personnel will be assigned to the DMP and work with the police. The list of criminals will be updated at the Thana level and law-enforcing agencies will take immediate steps to bring them to justice.”

The Chief Advisor’s Office also announced “multiple steps” for the dissemination of true facts to counter lies, rumours, and propaganda.