Police in the capital have arrested Liton Mahmud, Vice-President of the Dhaka Metropolitan North unit of the Swechchhasebak Dal, following allegations of widespread extortion.

Officers from the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) apprehended the political figure after detailed investigations linked him to ongoing extortion operations targeting local businesses and residents. The arrest was officially confirmed on Wednesday by the Additional Commissioner of the DMP’s Detective Branch, Shafiqul Islam.

Addressing reporters, the senior officer disclosed that Liton Mahmud had long been recorded as a listed extortionist within law enforcement registries. He emphasised that the operation was conducted strictly on the basis of specific, verifiable allegations rather than political motivations, marking a significant step in the authority’s effort to curb organised protection rackets across the metropolis.

The arrest comes amidst a broader, high-stakes law enforcement campaign aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates in Bangladesh’s capital. Government authorities recently compiled a comprehensive dossier identifying 545 active extortionists operating across various sectors in Dhaka. This master list was formally handed over to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police alongside explicit directives to locate, detain, and prosecute every individual named.

Detective Branch sources confirmed that Liton Mahmud’s name featured prominently on this state-level roster. Intelligence units had been tracking his movements for several weeks prior to executing the targeted raid.

Extortion has remained a persistent challenge across Dhaka’s commercial districts, where informal networks frequently demand protection money from traders, transport operators, and construction sites. Political affiliations have historically complicated law enforcement efforts, with local leaders occasionally abusing their party influence to shield illegal collection rings.

By taking targeted action against high-profile figures regardless of political alignment, the current operation signals a zero-tolerance approach by law enforcement agencies. Detectives are continuing to process Liton Mahmud, with further interrogations expected to uncover broader networks and potential accomplices operating within the metropolitan area. Police officials assured the public that operations to apprehend the remaining individuals on the 545-member target list will intensify over the coming days.