Crackdown on extortionists, terrorists to be intensified: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the ongoing crackdown on extortionists and terrorists will be intensified, amid growing concerns over extortion, land grabbing and acts of violence in different parts of the country.

He said police have lists of extortionists and terrorists, which are regularly updated, and that action is being taken against criminals regardless of their political affiliations.

The home minister made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after a meeting on security arrangements for Durga Puja at the Secretariat on Wednesday.

Asked about a statement issued a day earlier by 38 prominent citizens expressing concern over incidents of land and house grabbing, attacks and extortion, Salahuddin said maintaining lists of extortionists was part of the police’s regular activities.

He said information on terrorists, armed criminals, drug traders and extortionists was kept by police and updated when necessary.

He clarified that no separate new list was being prepared, adding that police operations against criminals were already under way and would be intensified further.

Regarding allegations of politically backed land grabbing and extortion, Salahuddin said police were not taking action based on political identities. He said all allegations were being verified impartially and police were responding immediately to complaints received through the national emergency service 999, with arrests and cases filed when necessary.

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Addressing public concern over the law and order situation, he said the overall situation in the country should not be assessed based on one or two isolated incidents. The government and law enforcement agencies were taking all necessary measures to maintain control, he added.

Meanwhile, Salahuddin said he had ordered an investigation into clashes during an eviction drive in Mirpur and the setting fire to police and city corporation vehicles.

He said there was an initial indication of a lack of coordination between police and officials from the relevant magistracy, RAJUK or the city corporation, but the actual cause would be known after the investigation.

On security preparations for Durga Puja, the home minister said, “Special arrangements will be made to monitor around 33,800 puja mandaps across the country this year. Round-the-clock monitoring will be conducted at police headquarters as well as at district and divisional levels.”

He said volunteers at puja mandaps had been asked to submit their names and phone numbers to the relevant police stations, and identity cards would be provided if necessary.