Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said that if any policeman is found involved in extortion, or evidence is found against them of assisting extortion, they would be brought under the law.
He also warned of strict action against law enforcers who fail to bring identified terrorists, extortionists and drug dealers under the law, saying the government will follow a “zero tolerance” policy against such crimes while speaking to journalists after visiting Professor Dr Md Asadur Rahman at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
The doctor was injured in an attack allegedly carried out by an organised extortion gang in front of Popular Hospital in Shantinagar on August 17.
Salahuddin said four members of the seven-member gang, including its alleged ringleader, had been arrested within 48 hours of the attack.
One suspect was arrested at the scene, while the others were detained from Lakshmipur, Dania in Jatrabari and Satarakul, he said.
Praising the police and Detective Branch for identifying and arresting the suspects quickly, the minister said the crackdown on extortion would continue until the practice was eliminated.
According to Salahuddin, the alleged ringleader returned to Bangladesh after suffering losses in hundi trading abroad and later formed the criminal group.
The gang allegedly targeted major hospitals, prominent doctors, engineers and affluent professionals, threatening them through messages before physically attacking them and demanding large sums of money, he said.
“We will not tolerate such activities by extortionists,” the minister said.
He said authorities were also preparing lists of police personnel allegedly involved in or assisting extortion.
“We are not only preparing lists of extortionists and criminals; if any police member is involved in or assists extortion, their names are also being listed,” he said.
Salahuddin added that criminals and their patrons, regardless of their influence, would be brought under the law.
On security for doctors and other professionals, he said 10 Ansar members would be deployed at each of 500 hospitals across the country.
He also advised doctors who feel vulnerable at their private chambers or clinics to inform police.
Asked about firearms for personal security, the minister said citizens could apply for a licence for a shotgun or pistol if they met the conditions under existing laws.
“If a doctor feels the need for a personal firearm for security and applies for a licence, it will be considered seriously in accordance with the existing government rules,” he said.
Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, Dhaka Medical College Hospital Director Brig Gen Md Asaduzzaman, DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed and Additional Commissioner (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam were present during the visit.
