Effective Measures Required to Combat Extortion and Manipulation

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has taken a significant step to crack down on extortion, which has been driving up food prices. The city police commissioner, speaking on December 21, highlighted the connection between rampant extortion and price increases in markets and on roads. To address this issue, the police are updating their list of extortionists and preparing to take legal action against them.

During the previous government’s reign, extortion had become widespread, involving a range of individuals including law enforcement officials, ruling party members, and various associations. After a brief lull following the change in government, extortion seems to be on the rise again. While the police have been working to curb their own members’ involvement in extortion, activists from various political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, have been in the spotlight for engaging in extortion activities.

Although warnings have been issued by political party leaders to deter extortion practices among their members, these efforts do not seem to have been very effective. Both political parties and law enforcement agencies have a role to play in combating extortion to provide relief to consumers facing escalating prices. It is imperative to take tough action against extortionists in order to address the issue of food inflation. Furthermore, market manipulation by business cartels is another significant factor contributing to price hikes in essential goods, with prices increasing by 20–50 per cent as a result.

Addressing these issues is crucial, given that food inflation has exceeded 10 percent for the past two years, reaching a record high in November. The failure to address extortion and market manipulation not only hampers efforts to control inflation but is also a criminal offense. These issues stand in stark contrast to the promises made during the July uprising, which was fueled in part by concerns about inflation.

Both the government and political parties must take decisive action to crack down on extortion and manipulation in order to honor the aspirations of the public and restore stability to the markets. Mere statements and warnings are not sufficient; concrete steps must be taken to hold individuals accountable for their actions.