A list prepared by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) identifying people allegedly involved in extortion and land or property grabbing has reportedly included a significant number of current and former BNP leaders and activists.
According to a report published by the English-language daily New Age, the DMP list contains the names of 1,530 people allegedly linked to extortion and property-related offences in the capital. Of them, 278 have reportedly been identified as alleged patrons or facilitators of criminal activities.
The report says 230 of those 278 people are current or former members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or its affiliated organisations. The list also identifies 1,252 people described as active at the field level, of whom at least 350 are reportedly associated with the BNP or one of its affiliated organisations.
The figures have drawn attention because of the range of economic activities and public spaces allegedly affected by extortion in Dhaka. According to the reported police information, allegations extend across pavements, wholesale fish markets, shopping centres, hotels, transport counters, CNG stands, auto-rickshaw garages, illegal parking areas, ambulances, buses and launch terminals. Slum areas have also reportedly featured among locations where extortion has been alleged.
The reported findings point to a network that extends beyond conventional street-level collection of money. Transport hubs, marketplaces and other busy commercial locations can generate regular cash flows, making them vulnerable to organised extortion where local groups are able to exert influence.
The issue has also prompted questions about political connections and the ability of law-enforcement agencies to tackle alleged criminal networks. According to the report, police sources have indicated that BNP activists are prominent among groups allegedly controlling extortion networks in parts of Dhaka. Such allegations, however, concern individuals identified in a police list and do not by themselves establish criminal liability. Any offence would have to be established through investigation and the relevant legal process.
Asked about BNP members being named in the DMP’s list, BNP standing committee member Amanullah Aman said acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi would respond to the matter. Aman did not comment on whether the issue would be discussed within the party’s formal forums.
New Age also reported that it had attempted to contact at least six senior BNP leaders for comments. It managed to obtain a response from standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, who reportedly said he was unaware of the matter and declined to comment.
The allegations come amid broader public concern over extortion, illegal occupation, attacks and disputes over control of property and commercial spaces in Dhaka and other parts of the country. In recent days, several incidents involving alleged attacks and attempts to take control of property have attracted media attention, adding to concerns about public security.
Extortion has long affected a range of small businesses, transport operators, market traders and other people dependent on public commercial spaces. When such practices become entrenched, the financial burden can ultimately affect traders and consumers alike.
The DMP’s reported list has therefore placed renewed focus on the identities and networks allegedly involved in such activities. It also raises questions about how effectively complaints are being investigated, whether those found responsible are being prosecuted, and what measures are being taken to prevent political or local influence from obstructing law enforcement.
For now, the names contained in the list represent allegations or police assessments rather than final judicial findings. Verification of individual cases and accountability will depend on further investigation and due legal proceedings.
