Home Minister Orders Swift Action Against Terrorists, Extortionists and Drug Dealers

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has directed law enforcement agencies to swiftly bring identified terrorists, extortionists and drug dealers across the country, particularly in Dhaka Metropolitan Area, under the law, warning of strict action against officials who fail to do so.

The minister issued the warning while briefing journalists after visiting Professor Dr.  Md.  Asad-ur Rahman, who was seriously injured in an attack by an alleged organized extortion gang in front of Popular Hospital in Shantinagar.

Salahuddin Ahmed said a "zero tolerance policy" would be followed against criminals involved in extortion, terrorism and drug trafficking, as well as against those responsible for failing to take action against them. He said four of the seven members of the alleged extortion gang, including its alleged mastermind, had been arrested within 48 hours of the attack through coordinated efforts by police and intelligence agencies.

According to the minister, the gang allegedly targeted major hospitals, prominent doctors, engineers and wealthy professionals, using threats and physical attacks to extort large sums of money. He said such criminal activities would not be tolerated and that operations would continue until extortion was completely eliminated.

The minister also stressed accountability within the police force, saying lists were being prepared not only of extortionists but also of any police personnel allegedly involved in or assisting extortion activities. "No matter how influential the criminals or their patrons are, they will be brought to justice," he said. Regarding the security of doctors and other professionals, the minister said 10 Ansar members would be deployed at each of 500 hospitals across the country.

The minister was accompanied by Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr.  A.Z.M.  Zahid Hossain, Inspector General of Police Md.  Ali Hossain Fakir, DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, Additional Commissioner (DB Chief) Md.  Shafiqul Islam, Dhaka Medical College Hospital Director Brigadier General Md.  Asaduzzaman and others. Later, the home minister visited Anwar Khan Modern Hospital in Dhanmondi to see Dr.  A.K.M.  Aminul Haque, who was also allegedly threatened by the same extortion gang.