The Scale of Extortion in Dhaka

A Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) list has identified 1,280 extortionists active in the capital, of whom 148 are armed criminals [1][2]. The highest concentrations of armed extortionists are in Gulshan, Badda and Rampura [3]. The list reveals a systematic extortion network that targets businesses large and small, with daily collections ranging from Tk 200 to Tk 300,000.

How the Rackets Work

In the DIT Project area of Merul Badda, criminals collect nearly Tk 300,000 daily from a fish market [4]. In Gulshan-1, Gulshan-2 and Shahjadpur, illegally set up pavement shops are forced to pay Tk 200 to Tk 1,500 a day [5]. Spa centres in Gulshan and Banani pay between Tk 10,000 and Tk 20,000 a month [6]. Several car traders in Baridhara alleged that crude bombs were exploded in front of their shops after they refused to pay [7].

Gangs and Their Leaders Abroad

Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed stated that many people are attempting extortion in Gulshan, Banani and Badda areas while operating from abroad [8]. The Jisan Group has the highest number of members among professional criminal gangs operating in Gulshan, Mohakhali, Badda, Rampura and Moghbazar [9]. Police sources said Mehedi, head of the Calling Mehedi gang, is currently in the United States and allegedly runs the group from there [10]. The three leaders of the Robin-Dalim-Mahbub group are currently in Malaysia and operate the gang from there [11].

Recent Arrests and Seizures

In February, the army arrested Mehedi Hasan alias Dipu from his house in Badda’s Byaparipara area and recovered 11 foreign-made firearms and 394 rounds of ammunition [12]. On 27 May 2025, the army arrested Subrata Bain alias Fateh Ali and Molla Masud alias Abu Russell Masud during an operation in Kushtia [13]. Two of Subrata Bain’s associates — Shooter Arafat and Sharif — were later arrested from Dhaka’s Hatirjheel area, and five foreign-made pistols and 53 rounds of ammunition were seized [14].

The Crackdown So Far

As of 6 May, 145 listed extortionists and 256 of their associates had been arrested in a special crackdown that began on 1 May, according to DMP Media and Public Relations Division Deputy Commissioner NM Nasiruddin [15].

Experts Call for Systemic Action

Criminology expert Tawohidul Haque said armed extortionists are the most dangerous among such criminals and commit various brutal acts to collect extortion money [16]. He said the government must ensure terrorists and extortionists cannot exploit legal loopholes to secure release after being arrested [17].

What to Watch Next

The effectiveness of the crackdown will depend on whether arrests translate into sustained dismantling of the networks, especially those run from abroad. The DMP list provides a starting point, but experts warn that without systemic reforms — including witness protection and faster prosecution — extortion will resurge.