Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday ordered law enforcement agencies to immediately arrest identified terrorists, extortionists, and drug dealers across Bangladesh, warning of strict action under a "zero-tolerance" policy for any failure.
The minister issued the warning while briefing reporters after visiting Dr Md Asaduzzaman Rahman, a physician injured in an alleged attack by an extortion gang outside Popular Hospital in the capital's Shantinagar, at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
“There is no time limit. If law enforcement agencies cannot quickly take identified extortionists, criminals and drug dealers into custody and bring them under the law, strict action will be taken against those responsible for the failure,” he said.
Referring to the attack on Dr Rahman on Aug 17, the minister said police and the Detective Branch arrested four of the seven alleged gang members, including the alleged mastermind, within 48 hours.
The suspects were arrested from the scene, Lakshmipur, Dania in Jatrabari and Shyampur, he said, praising police and DB officials for swiftly identifying and arresting the suspects.
According to the minister, preliminary interrogation suggests that the alleged gang leader returned to Bangladesh after suffering losses in hundi transactions abroad and subsequently formed the criminal group.
The gang allegedly targeted major hospitals, prominent doctors, engineers and wealthy professionals, threatening them through messages before physically attacking them to demand large sums of money, he said.
“Such activities by extortionists will not be tolerated. The operation will continue until extortion is completely eliminated,” Salahuddin said.
He also said authorities were preparing lists not only of extortionists but also of police personnel allegedly involved in or assisting extortion activities.
“Regardless of how influential the criminals or their patrons are, they will be brought to justice,” he said.
On the security of doctors and healthcare facilities, the minister said 10 Ansar members would be deployed at each of 500 hospitals across the country.
He advised doctors who feel particularly vulnerable at their private chambers or clinics to inform police.
Responding to a question, Salahuddin said any citizen could apply for a licence for a shotgun or pistol if they meet the requirements under existing laws. Applications from doctors seeking firearms for personal security would be considered under government rules, he said.
Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, Additional Commissioner (DB chief) Mohammad Shafiqul Islam and Dhaka Medical College Hospital Director Brig Gen Mohammad Asaduzzaman were among those present.
The home minister later visited Anwar Khan Modern Hospital in Dhanmondi to see Dr AKM Aminul Haque, who was also allegedly threatened by the same extortion gang.