Businesses express concern over robbery, theft, snatching, hijacking Dhaka, Jan 13 (UNB) - Robbery, theft, snatching and vehicle hijacking at different points of Dhaka-Chittagong highway and in Chittagong seaport and airports have increased alarmingly causing immense sufferings and financial loss to traders, businesspeople claimed on Thursday.  They said the exporters are facing image crisis to their foreign buyers due to such undesirable incidents which sometimes cause delay in shipments. The sufferers sought proper steps from the law enforcing agencies to curb such crimes and to bring the criminals to book. The businesspeople made the allegations at a discussion on current law and order situation, which was organized by Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at its conference room. State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku attended the discussion as chief guest with FBCCI president AK Azad in the chair. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Hasan Mahmud Khandker, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Benazir Ahmed, additional Home Secretary Iqbal Khan Chowdhury, FBCCI first vice president M Jasim Uddin, vice president Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu and FBCCI directors including different business body leaders took part in the discussion. "Such incidents are taking place routinely on Dhaka-Chittagong highway and in Chittagong port areas. Our goods-laden covered vans are facing robbery and snatching. Our imported raw-materials are being stolen. These are the acts of organized groups," BGMEA director M Nasir said. He said the law-enforcing agencies should take necessary steps without any delay to stop such criminal activities. "We're losing our image to our buyers. We're facing huge financial loss." President of Bangladesh Auto Re-rolling Association Masudul Alam Masud alleged that MS rods are stolen at different points on Dhaka-Chittagong highway. "Sometimes rod-laden trucks also go missing. No step has been taken to identify the organized criminals," he said. Masud said they would not be able to survive in business if such crimes are allowed to continue and demanded immediate steps to improve the security measures on the highway. Money Exchange Association leader Mostafa Kamal questioned the role of police in ensuring security to life and property. He urged the police personnel to work sincerely and impartially to bring the criminals to book. Bangladesh Shop Owners Association president Amir Hossain said they are finding it difficult to stay in business due to the extortionists. He said: "Extortion is taking place even in districts and upazilas. We're small shop owners… Ensure our safety." Bangladesh Courier Service Association President Abu Naser expressed dissatisfaction over the law and order situation and alleged that police routinely harass them in the name of security while carrying out checks at different points. He said he does not think that overall law and order situation has changed. "I don't even think that mentality of police has changed." BKMEA vice president AHM Salam Sani urged the authorities to make all police stations in industrial areas well-equipped to ensure highest security. State Minister for Home Affairs adv Shamsul Haque Tuku, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Hasan Mahmud Khandker and DMP commissioner Benazir Ahmed assured the businesspeople of taking necessary steps to resolve their problems. http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-39295 |
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