DHAKA: Business leaders demanded the formation of a special cell in the police headquarters to thwart threats for extortion by phoning.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) raised the demand before Inspector-General of Police Hasan Mahmud Khandaker and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner AKM Shahidul Haque at a meeting Friday.

The apex business body organised the view-exchange meeting on law-and-order situation in the city.

Business leader Prabir Kumar Saha said traders have been suffering from threats of extortion over phone, although the law-and-order situation seems to be normal.

“So it’s an urgency to form a special cell for taking instant actions against extortionists.”

In reply, the DMP commissioner said, “My door is open for all--inform me directly if anyone threatens for money over phone. The rest is my duty.”

Besides, the leaders demanded steps for easing traffic congestion, banning rickshaw-movement on important roads, including in Motijheel area, making footpaths hawker-free and police protection during big-deal monetary transactions.

Business leaders, including Director of FBCCI Shafique Ahmed, put emphasis on stopping requisition of private vehicles by police.

The DMP Commissioner said, “We go for requisition of private vehicles as police patrol teams lack sufficient vehicles in thanas.”

He also said letters were sent to different banks and organizations asking vehicles and also hoped that they would get rid of the problem with cooperation from all.

IGP Hasan Mahmud Khandaker said, “I am cent-percent sincere to ease these problems.”

The IGP also proposed to hold such meetings quarterly for monitoring whether the duties are being done as per pledges.

BDST: 2057 HRS. SEP 17, 2010