Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has issued a strong warning to police officers in the capital, stating that any officer-in-charge (OC) of a police station who fails to register a case will be dismissed within a minute. The declaration came during a meeting with auto-rickshaw, auto-van, and e-rickshaw drivers at the DMP headquarters on Monday, November 25.

In the meeting, a rickshaw driver raised a complaint about being assaulted in the Kamrangirchar area on Sunday, November 24, as well as on a previous occasion. In response to this grievance, Commissioner Sajjat Ali asked the driver why he had not filed a complaint. He emphasized that if the situation was indeed a case, the officer in charge must accept and file the complaint. "If the case is not registered, I will ensure that the OC is dismissed within one minute," he stated.

The commissioner’s remark underscores the urgency with which the police are expected to act on public complaints. He made it clear that no officer would be allowed to ignore cases, signaling a move towards stricter accountability within the police force.

During the meeting, Sajjat Ali also addressed the issue of extortion, particularly targeting rickshaw and van drivers. He assured the drivers that there would be zero tolerance for extortion in the city. "No one will be allowed to take the hard-earned money of the poor," he declared, highlighting that local thugs and extortionists were often involved in taking money from drivers. The commissioner further warned that if any police personnel were found to be involved in extortion, they would face severe consequences. "If any police officer is found involved in extortion activities, they will not be spared," he added, reinforcing his commitment to eradicating corruption within the force.

To combat extortion, the DMP Commissioner announced the formation of a new committee involving rickshaw drivers and the local police station officers. This committee will be tasked with actively working to eliminate extortion and ensure that the drivers are not subjected to unlawful demands. "The rickshaw drivers will form a committee with the OCs to stop extortion, and we will ensure the committee works effectively," he said.

The meeting also aimed to address the challenges faced by rickshaw and auto drivers in Dhaka, who have long complained about harassment, extortion, and police inaction. Commissioner Sajjat Ali’s strong stance against police negligence and criminal activities within the force is part of a broader effort to restore public trust in the police and improve the safety and security of vulnerable citizens.

This announcement marks a significant step in the DMP's efforts to increase accountability and transparency in the force. The DMP Commissioner’s warning to OCs is likely to have a far-reaching impact on how complaints are handled in police stations across Dhaka, ensuring that cases are registered without delay and that officers are held accountable for their actions. Moreover, the formation of the committee to tackle extortion could provide a platform for drivers to voice their concerns and take action against the extortionists who have long plagued the city’s streets.

The DMP's crackdown on police negligence and extortion is a clear signal that the new leadership is committed to reform and making the streets of Dhaka safer for its citizens.