Dhaka Metropolitan Police will follow a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against extortion, mugging, drugs, juvenile gangs, online gambling and cyber fraud in the capital, newly appointed DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said on Wednesday.

The remark came at a “Meet the Press” programme held at the DMP media centre in the capital.

He also warned that no offender would be spared on the basis of political or social identity.

Referring to the challenges of maintaining law and order in a city of nearly 30 million people, he said mugging, drugs, extortion, juvenile gangs, online gambling, cyber fraud and hacking have become major concerns in Dhaka.

To tackle such crimes, DMP launched a special drive from May 1 and its cyber unit is being further strengthened to prevent cybercrimes, he said. 

He said digital forensic lab established at the Detective Branch (DB) office recently received is expected to help investigations.

On traffic congestion in the capital, the DMP commissioner said several initiatives have been taken to modernise traffic management through technology.

AI-based cameras have been installed on important road intersections and an e-prosecution system has also been introduced based on video footage, he added.

He also said citizens are now able to file General Diaries (GDs) online while services such as ‘Hello DMP’ has been launched.

The DMP commissioner said special security measures would be taken across the capital ahead of the Eid al-Azha.

Additional police personnel will be deployed at cattle markets, Eid congregations, shopping malls and residential areas, he said, adding that security has already been tightened at bus terminals, railway stations and launch terminals.

Action will also be taken against overcharging passengers and carrying excess passengers during the Eid rush, he added.

Requesting citizens to seek police assistance while carrying large sums of money, t he DMP commissioner said DB and local police stations have been kept on maximum alert to prevent crimes by organised gangs, including drugging gangs, muggers and counterfeit currency syndicates during the Eid period.

He also called on people to promptly inform police about any criminal activity and contact the national emergency service 999 when necessary.

Urging the media to play a constructive role, he said journalists should not only criticize police but also highlight their positive work so that city residents become more aware.