Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 485 people during a 24-hour crime crackdown across the capital as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain public order and curb criminal activities. Police also seized narcotics, suspected criminal evidence, cash and several sharp and metal objects during the operation.
The information was disclosed on Saturday, 8 August, by Niaz Mehedi, additional deputy commissioner of the DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division.
According to police, the operation was conducted simultaneously in different police station areas of Dhaka as part of routine anti-crime activities. The drive targeted individuals allegedly involved in various offences, while officers also searched for drugs and other materials potentially connected to criminal activity. A total of 50 cases have been filed in connection with the incidents uncovered during the operation.
The Mirpur division recorded the highest number of arrests, with 125 people detained. Tejgaon followed with 77 arrests, while both Motijheel and Gulshan divisions recorded 57 arrests each. Police arrested 49 people in Uttara and 46 in Wari.
The remaining arrests were reported from Lalbagh, where 34 people were detained, Ramna, with 31 arrests, and the Detective Branch, which accounted for nine. Taken together, the figures bring the total number of arrests during the 24-hour operation to 485.
Police said the operation also resulted in the seizure of several items believed to be relevant to criminal investigations. These included eight mobile phones, Tk 124,000 in cash, three knives, three iron pipes, one cutter and one iron sheet.
A significant quantity of narcotics was also recovered. Police seized 4,295 yaba tablets and 610 grams of cannabis during the operation. The seized drugs and other materials have been taken into custody and are expected to be examined and documented as part of the relevant cases.
The latest drive reflects the DMP’s continuing efforts to tackle crime through coordinated operations by its metropolitan divisions, police stations and specialised units. Such operations commonly focus on narcotics, theft, robbery, possession of weapons and other offences that can affect public safety in densely populated areas of the capital.
Police said legal procedures against the arrested individuals are under way under the relevant laws. The seized items will be incorporated into the case records where applicable, while investigators will examine their connection with the alleged offences.
The arrests, however, do not by themselves establish guilt. Allegations against those detained will have to be substantiated through investigation and, where cases proceed, the judicial process.
DMP officials said police units remained active across different parts of the capital during the latest 24-hour period. The authorities are continuing to process the seized materials and take further legal action against those arrested in accordance with the findings of the respective cases.
