Top criminals released under police surveillance after August 5: DMP commissioner

According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mainul Hasan, top criminals who were released after August 5 following the fall of the Awami League government following a surge in students and people from prisons were released and kept under police surveillance.

He made this statement during the inauguration of the Walton-CRAB Sports Festival-2024 football tournament organized by Crime Reporters Association Bangladesh (CRAB) at Paltan Outer Stadium today.

The DMP chief said: “Those (top criminals) who have already been released from prisons have been judicially released after long prison sentences. You are now under our observation. Legal action will be taken against them if they are involved in new crimes.”

According to the Prisons Ministry, at least 43 top criminals and militants have been released on bail since August 5. In recent weeks, several allegations have been made against these individuals, including their involvement in murder, extortion and toll collection. A murder case has been lodged against top criminal Imamul Hasan Helal, also known as Pichchi Helal, at Mohammadpur police station. Helal was released on August 16 after serving a 24-year sentence.

When asked about police officers who had not returned to duty, the DMP commissioner said the number was minimal. “Necessary action will be taken against those who have not reported back to duty,” he said.

Currently, at least 187 police officers, ranging from deputy inspector generals to constables, remain absent.

Commissioner Hasan assured that all police stations in Dhaka remain operational and repair work is underway at three or four stations which will be completed in the next few days.

Regarding crime prevention, the DMP chief highlighted the police’s proactive approach, which includes regular patrols and investigative efforts to quickly identify and arrest perpetrators.

“We carry out joint operations like the one last night in the Geneva camp, where firearms and locally manufactured weapons were confiscated and several arrests were made,” he added.

Earlier, in his inaugural speech, Commissioner Hasan stressed the importance of maintaining a close relationship between the DMP and crime reporters. “We have only one goal: to ensure peace and order in Dhaka. Crime reporters help us with valuable information,” he said.

CRAB President Kamruzzaman Khan chaired the meeting which was attended by various DMP officials and former CRAB leaders.