DHAKA : The government has stepped up nationwide efforts to strengthen law and order, intensify anti-crime drives, modernize surveillance systems and reinforce public confidence in law enforcement under its zero-tolerance policy against crime.

Senior police officials said the strategy combines tougher law enforcement, technology-driven policing, professional reforms and coordinated operations involving multiple agencies to enhance public safety.

Additional Inspector General of Police (Crime and Operations) Khondoker Rafiqul Islam told BSS that police have strengthened regular patrols, routine operations and nationwide special drives to combat crime and drug trafficking.

"We are on hot pursuit to curb crime across the country as part of the government's zero-tolerance policy against crime and narcotics," he said, adding that police are ensuring swift action against offenders.

As part of the initiative, the government has expanded technology-based policing by bringing the Dhaka-Chattogram and Dhaka-Mawa highways under comprehensive CCTV and AI-powered camera surveillance.

Additional Inspector General of Police of the Highway Police Faruk Ahmed said the entire Dhaka-Chattogram Highway is now under CCTV coverage, while 16 strategic locations are monitored through AI-powered cameras.

He said the centralised monitoring system would help prevent robberies, drug trafficking and other highway crimes and would gradually be expanded across the country.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed recently reiterated that the government remains firmly committed to maintaining peace, public safety and the rule of law through a strict and lawful approach.

He said Bangladesh Police has adopted a range of operational strategies in line with government directives to ensure nationwide security.

He added  a joint anti-crime drive involving Bangladesh Police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) and intelligence agencies has been underway since May 1 to dismantle drug syndicates, cross-border smuggling networks and organised criminal groups.

According to Police Headquarters, police arrested 141,989 people in nationwide special operations and other law enforcement drives between May 1 and July 27, including 39,267 in the ongoing special operation and 102,722 in criminal cases and routine operations.

During the period, police recovered 325 illegal firearms, 638 locally made weapons, 2,802 rounds of ammunition, large quantities of explosives, and over 9.12 million yaba tablets. Police also filed 17,066 narcotics cases and arrested 24,821 drug suspects.

Police Headquarters said the campaign reflects a comprehensive strategy integrating intensified policing, inter-agency coordination, technology-based surveillance, professional development, stronger accountability and tougher enforcement against organised crime and narcotics.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir recently urged police personnel to remain firm in suppressing crime while maintaining politeness, humanity and professionalism.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed also instructed officers to perform their duties with professionalism, impartiality and dedication, intensify operations against illegal firearms, muggers, drug traffickers and extortionists, and ensure strict disciplinary action against negligent officers while rewarding outstanding performers.

The DMP currently arrests an average of around 400 crime suspects daily from different parts of the capital as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain law and order.