Intelligence agencies have prepared lists of around 650 active godfathers linked to extortion networks across the country, including Dhaka city. However, for unclear reasons, no strong action has yet been taken to arrest them. Various law enforcement units have updated the list of these extortionists and their alleged sponsors.
Numerous incidents of attacks linked to non-payment of extortion money are circulating on social media, fuelling growing public anger.
Sources say that most of these alleged godfathers have political identities, which is considered a major obstacle to legal action against them. Victims are reportedly afraid to file cases against these locally influential individuals. There are also allegations of delays in taking action against powerful figures even after cases are filed. In some instances, those arrested are released on bail within a few days.
A high official at Police Headquarters told The Daily Observer that the government had initially said a nationwide list of extortionists was being compiled. According to information from RAB Headquarters, the list of extortion godfathers was recently updated by 15 RAB battalions, identifying at least 650 names. The political identity of each individual on the list is also recorded.
Narayanganj has the highest number of alleged extortion godfathers in the battalion-wise list, with 110 names. This area falls under RAB-11. In addition, RAB-12 has 63, RAB-1 has 61, RAB-6 has 59, RAB-7 has 52, and RAB-4 has 42. Other battalions have also compiled significant lists. However, no major coordinated operation has been observed to arrest these individuals.
RAB sources said that several extortionists have recently been arrested based on specific allegations. One such case includes the arrest of six people, including the alleged mastermind of an extortion attempt at CKD Urology Hospital in the capital.
Sources further say that after the recent political changes in the country, extortion syndicates have shifted control.
Influential groups are allegedly collecting tolls in various innovative ways at under-construction buildings, bus stands, highways, and launch terminals in different parts of the country, including Dhaka.
During the previous interim government, intelligence agencies had also updated a nationwide list of extortionists, which included many influential individuals. However, for various reasons, no action was taken on that list at the time. The current administration has reportedly collected updated information and verified previous data, after which a strict warning has been issued against extortionists.
A police source said that Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed recently instructed senior police officials to bring extortionists under the law. Following this, field-level officers across the country have been given strict instructions from Police Headquarters to take action against them.
However, intelligence officials say that although the names and identities of many extortionists are known, most cannot be brought under legal action as no formal cases are filed at police stations. Some victims refrain due to fear, while others lack sufficient evidence. Officials are urging victims to come forward with courage.
It is learnt that on April 10, a bribe of Tk 5 lakh was demanded at CKD Urology Hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka, in the name of a Jubo Dal leader. Later, Abu Hanif, in charge of the hospital's surgery room, filed a case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. Six people, including the main accused Md Moin Uddin, were arrested and remanded.
In response to another question, a police official said that Police Headquarters does not maintain a consolidated public list of extortionists. Instead, individual units keep their own confidential lists for operational purposes. He added that instructions have been given to take action based on these lists. According to him, extortion has come under control to a large extent due to such measures.
