IGP inspects Mohammadpur, vows firm action against criminals

The newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Md Ali Hossain Fakir, assumed office only two days ago. Within this short period, he personally conducted a late-night on-site inspection of security arrangements in the capital.

The new IGP spoke to journalists after visiting the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka late Thursday night (February 26).

“I have taken to the streets myself to ensure the safety of city residents. Criminals, whoever they may be, will be dealt with firmly. No one will be spared,” he said.

The IGP said ordinary people are living in fear due to the activities of juvenile gangs, snatchers and drug traffickers. “That is why I have personally come out to observe the situation,” he added.

He said special block raids are being conducted after evening hours to bring snatchers and those involved in drug-related crimes under the law.

Recalling a personal experience, the IGP said he had fallen victim to a mugging in 1986 near the Geneva Camp area while on his way to a relative’s house during his university years. Based on that experience, he observed that Mohammadpur has long been a crime-prone area, where, alongside low-income residents, scrap trading and various illegal businesses have expanded.

The IGP further said that after footpaths in the capital were occupied, roads are now also being encroached upon, disrupting public movement. He warned that if the law-and-order situation does not remain stable, both the economy and investment will suffer.

Speaking about police capacity, he said that against a population of nearly 20 crore people, the police force has only about 220,000 personnel, while nearly 4 crore people live in Dhaka alone. He urged citizens to follow the law to help ensure public safety and added that work is underway to reorganise the traffic division.