Staff Correspondent

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman instructed police to close temporary shops, including tea shops, at the road junction after 11 pm to prevent crime, including muggings in the capital.

It is often seen that criminals hang out all night in those makeshift shops, and commit mugging whenever they get a chance. Roadside bidis, betel leaf and tea shops must be closed after 11 pm, he said.

The chief officer of the DMP gave the directives while addressing the crime review meeting of March at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh in the city on Sunday. Former Police Commissioner Md. Asaduzzaman Mia was present as guest of honour on the occasion.

The DMP Commissioner said that everyone has to be careful that no criminals and militant groups can do any kind of terrorist activities. Everyone must also keep a watchful eye to ensure that no panic-inducing act takes place in the Dhaka metropolitan area. Strict action has to be taken against such criminal gangs, he added.

Earlier, the Commissioner of DMP awarded various levels of policemen of DMP in the crime review meeting in March in recognition of good work in maintaining law and order and public safety provisions of Dhaka city.

The top officer of the DMP also said that if a vehicle with a police sticker is seen on the road, the on-duty police must verify that it is a police officer's car. Because by affixing police stickers or DMP logos on their vehicle, the terrorists have been seen moving around, he said.

If it is verified that it is not a police car, then strict legal action must be taken against him. Crime and Traffic Department of DMP must keep an eye on this matter, he ordered.

Senior officials of the DMP headquarters were also present during the crime review meeting.