There has been strong criticism of the functioning of casinos close to police stations and it’s alleged the immediate past Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner and other law enforcers took illegal monthly payments (hush money) from them. Newly elected commissioner, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, has taken an initiative to revamp the DMP.
Reportedly, a process has begun to remove police officers suspected of having links with casino racketeers from the DMP. The IGP, Dr Jabed Patwary, is monitoring the matter. DMP commissioner, Shafiqul Islam, said: “We are investigating THIS and steps will certainly be taken against those who are found to have links with such nefarious operations.”
On Sept 14 last, the prime minister regretted the activities of some Jubo League workers and activists. Within four days, on 18 September, THE RAB carried out drives at several casinos in Dhaka city.
Deputy commissioners of police, Anwar Hossain and Shibli Noman, who were in charge of Motijheel for a long time, did not take any steps to prevent such shady operations.
Gambling also took place at different clubs in Gulshan and other illegal activities also went on in the spa and massage salons.
Deputy commissioner of Gulshan Mostak Ahmed was allegedly aware of what was going on but didn’t take any steps. He is now is posted in Chattogram.
A police official says: “Under the direct monitoring of the DMP commissioner, there is a department called Intelligence and Analysis Division, IED, and they regularly send reports to commissioners.”
It’s believed that several mid-level police officers were also linked to the casino trade. During a raid at Fu Wang Club, at Tejgaon, a large amount of alcohol and illegal money was recovered.
The new DMP commissioner has asked for a list of suspect police officials.
Many DMP officials have worked at one post for 5 to 10 years. Many OCs of thanas who have not been shifted are also linked to illegal acts. Police sources say that list of 27 OCs has been made who will be transferred outside Dhaka and officers with comparatively better Annual Confidential Reports, ACRs will be posted to thanas.