Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir announced on Saturday (Oct 4) that the government is formulating a specialized law to combat extortion, noting that extortionists are either criminals or backed by influential figures.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday afternoon after attending a community policing civic rally at the Khulna Metropolitan Police Lines, the IGP highlighted the systemic challenges law enforcement faces in prosecuting extortionists. He observed that because perpetrators are often powerful individuals connected to various circles of influence, victims are frequently too terrified to file formal complaints at police stations or provide testimony against them.
To bypass these hurdles, IGP Fakir revealed that he had proposed a new legal framework to the home minister prior to his current tenure. The forthcoming legislation will empower police to independently initiate cases and take direct action without requiring a formal civilian complaint. According to the police chief, the upcoming law will enable authorities to take punitive measures based on digital evidence and other verifiable proofs, which he expects will help eradicate extortion from society in the near future.
Addressing queries regarding the country's law and order situation, the IGP reflected on the state of society following the political upheaval of August 5, 2024, when a complete absence of police presence triggered widespread criminal activity. Asserting that the force has since regained its morale and resumed nationwide operations, he acknowledged that while all systemic problems cannot be resolved overnight, the overall security landscape has demonstrably improved.
Weighing in on policing dilemmas, IGP Fakir emphasized the force's aspiration to become a humane, people-friendly institution. However, he pointed out a persistent catch-22: while some critics argue that criminals no longer fear the law—often returning to illicit activities shortly after being detained—others condemn police for using force, hastily labeling them as fascists, whereas inaction invites accusations of weakness.
The police chief further underscored that over the past 17 years, the narcotics trade was systematically institutionalized, but the current administration has now adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. Urging collective resistance from all segments of society, the IGP called for a unified national effort to permanently root out narcotics, juvenile gangs, and extortion rings.
