Members of some organised criminal groups, especially dope gangs and fake currency rackets, have become active in recent days as the biggest festival of the country’s Muslim community, Eid-ul-Fitr, is drawing nearer. To counter the increasing disturbance of criminal groups during the Eid, law enforcers also have enhanced their vigilance, said sources with the Police.
“Necessary instructions were given to all the operational units before Ramadan to control crimes which increase significantly during the two Eid festivals,” said Md Sohel Rana, assistant inspector general (Media Public Relations) in the Police Headquarters. Talking to the Bangladesh Post on Tuesday, he said, ‘‘At least two months before the Ramadan, police high-ups had instructed all the units concerned to collect detailed information about members of dope parties, snatchers’ gangs, and fake currency syndicates.’’
In this regard, Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary held meetings with all deputy inspector generals and chiefs of the different units and intelligence agencies of Police. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Miah also held a series of meetings to tackle criminal activities that surface during the festival.
Joint Commissioner (Crime) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Shaikh Nazmul Alam said, “Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has been specially assigned to curb the crimes which mainly occur during Eid festivals.” Besides DB police, Crime Division of DMP is also working to ensure a safe and secure journey of the home goers during Eid, he added.
‘‘No one should take any foods from any unknown persons in any excuse, and before exchanging any currency note, we must check again and again, so that no fake note is exchanged.’’ The JC also urged the businessmen to get police escort while carrying large amount of money. Inspector Aslam Uddin, officer-in-charge of Darus Salam Police Station said, “We are on alert to resist any crimes in areas under our police station, especially in Gabtoli Bus Terminal.”
‘‘We have already arrested two lifters from Gabtoli Bus Terminal. During the primary interrogation, they have disclosed names of their accomplices. We are conducting drives to arrest them also,’’ the OC added.
Shah Iftekhair, additional deputy commissioner (Demra Zone) of DMP’s Wari Division, told the Bangladesh Post that most of the dope party members come from outside Dhaka. On May 10, DB of police busted a fake note factory and arrested three people along with fake notes worth Tk 46 lakh from Kamrangirchar and Chawkbazar areas in the capital. During preliminary interrogation, the detainees confessed to their crimes and said that they had a plan to circulate counterfeit money in the market ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
