The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Home Adviser Maj Gen (Retd) MA Matin yesterday ordered the law-enforcing agencies to take stern action against extortionists and terrorists as the government took serious note of a spurt in the incidence of crime in the capital.

The home-ministry custodian of the caretaker government issued the orders hot on the heels of Sunday's daring snatching incident in Tejgaon area and yesterday's killing of a garment businessman at Paltan.

Muggers snatched away Tk 46 lakh after shooting assistant manager Biplob of ACI company from Tejgaon Industrial area Sunday, while three people, including a director of a garment factory, were killed in separate incidents in city's Mirpur, Purana Paltan and Agargaon areas late Sunday and Monday.

Talking to reporters after chairing a law-and-order review meeting at his Ministry, the Home Adviser said recent incidents, including Sunday's mugging, indicated that law and order in the city took a knock.

He made a stark observation that suspected muggers and extortionists and terrorists came out from their hideouts on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, Durga Puja and the upcoming elections.

Replying to a question, he said law-enforcing agencies have been armed with preparations to tackle any situation if the government relaxes the emergency.

"I don't think that law and order will deteriorate after relaxation of the Emergency Power Rules," the Home Adviser added.

Meanwhile, meeting sources said that some 6,000 law- enforcers, 4,000 of them police, have been deployed in the capital for smooth celebration of Eid and Durga Puja-the two biggest religious festivals of the Muslims and the Hindus.

Eid-ul-Fitr may be celebrated on October 1 or 2 and Durga Puja October 5-9.

The meeting was told that a total of 171 'orange' teams, which are special police teams, are on the patrol in the capital to combat snatchers.

Besides, police were asked to strengthen night patrol so that city-dwellers, especially women, can do their eid shopping at night without fear.

Hindu community leaders present at the meeting informed that some 2,100 puja mandops were set up last year.

They urged more security and uninterrupted power supply keeping in mind that the number of puja altars will be higher than last year's.

Secretaries of Home, Power and Information Ministries, acting Inspector General of Police, DMP Commissioner and senior officials concerned attended the meeting.

Hindu community leaders, including Maj Gen (rtd) CR Dutta, were present.