Dhaka cracks down on crime

Dhaka's New Year resolution is to crack down on crimes and drug abuse, besides freeing the capital of pollution and traffic congestion.

Government plans for combating these burgeoning menaces are being welcomed by city-dwellers, as they view 2002 with new hope.

But they also say only time will tell about the success of these plans as they have seen, from bitter experience, many similar plans bite the dust, and the status quo maintained as far as the situation and people's woes are concerned.

Government officials said different ministries had undertaken programmes regarding law and order and the environment from New Year's day itself, as these are the issues the residents want tackled most urgently.

Police have already issued a list of top criminals, offering bounties ranging from Tk 50,000 to Tk 100,000 for information leading to their arrest.

However, many of the most wanted criminals have already crossed the border. The government has reportedly sought the help of Interpol to track down these criminals who are on the run abroad.

The list of most wanted terrorists was issued after police arrested the ruling party lawmaker, Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu, on a charge of extortion.

This action was taken as the new government has given top priority to restoring law and order.

In recent times, extra police forces have been deployed in the crowded capital to curb incidents of mugging.

At least 100 muggings take place reportedly in the city every day on an average, but most remain unrecorded as people hesitate approaching the police for fear of harassment.

The increase in mugging incidents led to the lynching of at least two dozen suspects in December. Just last Friday, three alleged muggers were killed in lynch-mob attacks in Demra area.