Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed has declared that a special nationwide crackdown on extortion will commence shortly, following the preparation of an initial list identifying suspected extortionists, organised criminals, repeat offenders and individuals accused of destabilising public order. Law enforcement agencies are expected to launch coordinated operations based on this list within the coming weeks.
The announcement was made on Wednesday (4 March) during a press briefing at the headquarters of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Minto Road in the capital. The adviser had earlier held a high-level meeting with senior police officials to review intelligence findings and operational readiness.
According to Mr Ahmed, the first phase of the operation will prioritise metropolitan Dhaka, widely regarded as the epicentre of commercial activity and therefore particularly vulnerable to organised extortion networks. Subsequent phases will gradually extend the operation to other districts across the country.
He emphasised that extortion is not merely a financial offence but a corrosive practice that undermines trade, disrupts transport services and erodes public confidence in safety and governance. For years, certain unscrupulous groups have allegedly collected illegal payments from markets, bus and truck terminals, construction projects, pavements and a range of service sectors. The government, he said, has adopted a zero-tolerance stance.
“No individual will receive protection on the basis of political affiliation or influence,” the adviser stated. “The rule of law must prevail, and action will be taken strictly on the basis of evidence.”
Strategic Directives
During the meeting, two principal directives were issued to police leadership:
Enhanced Intelligence Gathering: Strengthen surveillance and information collection to ensure that the list of suspects is accurate and evidence-based.
Judicial Coordination: Improve coordination with the prosecution service to expedite legal proceedings following arrests.
A senior law enforcement source disclosed that data collected from police stations and intelligence units are currently undergoing verification. Authorities are reviewing prior criminal records, the nature of allegations, financial transaction trails and suspected criminal networks. Particular care, officials say, is being taken to prevent wrongful harassment of innocent individuals during the operation.
Key Components of the Initiative
| Area of Action | Core Activities | Implementing Authorities |
|---|---|---|
| List Preparation | Collection and verification of data on extortion suspects | Dhaka Metropolitan Police & Intelligence Units |
| Special Operations | Phased crackdown beginning in Dhaka, expanding nationwide | Police & Other Law Enforcement Agencies |
| Legal Measures | Arrests, case filings, expedited prosecution coordination | Police & Prosecution Department |
| Increased Monitoring | Surveillance of markets, terminals and construction sectors | Local Police Stations & Civil Administration |
Security analysts note that sustained enforcement, rather than sporadic operations, will be critical to long-term success. Businesses, particularly in wholesale markets and the transport sector, have frequently complained about systematic illegal toll collection, which inflates operational costs and ultimately affects consumers.
Mr Ahmed expressed optimism that the coordinated effort would significantly curb extortion and restore confidence among traders and the wider public. He also urged citizens to cooperate by reporting incidents of extortion to their nearest police station, underscoring that public participation is vital to ensuring the effectiveness of the campaign.
If implemented rigorously, the initiative could mark one of the most comprehensive anti-extortion drives in recent years, signalling a renewed commitment to strengthening public order and safeguarding economic activity.