"Everyday businessmen are receiving calls from extortionists as they have changed their strategy; instead of coming to the markets they are now asking for money over phone," said Zafar Ahmed, president of Eastern Plus Market at Shantinagar.

Bangladesh Shop Owners' Association, at a meeting on law and order with State Minister for Home Lutfozzaman Babar informed him of the extortion demand by telephone. "The minister has sought our co-operation to catch the extortionists," said Ahmed.

The businessmen however are not confident about the role of police security. "The police are not going to protect us from the extortionists, it is no use informing the police. We are bound to pay toll whatever they demand, as we can't risk our life," said a shop-owner.

Zafar Ahmed said the meeting was informed about the 'silent extortion' through phone calls. "But the decision to protect businessmen from the threat of extortionists and installing caller ID in the PABX lines of the markets were not implemented."

Deputy Commissioner (North) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Golam Rasul said the police being informed by people have already captured several extortionists. He admitted that some extortionists are giving threats to traders over telephone.

According to the decisions of the home ministry meeting the markets have to arrange their own security systems, like close circuit televisions (CCTV), metal detectors and archway checkpoints, to prevent criminals from entering the shopping centres.

Detective Branch (DB) police are patrolling near the market areas while Rapid Action Battalion and paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) have been deployed at special points. Besides, there are be some mobile teams to combat pre-Eid crimes.

Check-posts have been set up to check CNG autorickshaws and taxicabs. All forces are kept on alert for possible bomb attack on markets.

DC (South) of DMP Khan Sayeed Hassan said the DMP has selected main markets in the city and deployed three to four police guards for every market during Ramadan. Mobile teams comprising six members have been deployed to patrol streets.

In the 58 markets selected by the DMP (South), a total of 259 policemen have been deployed. They are aided by 33 mobile police cars and 162 foot patrol police.

DMP (East) has deployed 144 policemen at 24 markets and 880 others for foot patrol. DMP (North) has deployed 250 policemen at 54 markets.

"We have taken special caution at some spots like Niketon, Wonderland, Pragati Sarani, and diplomatic area at Baridhara and Gulshan," said Gulam Rasul, DC (North).

DC (West) Mazharul Haq said they have deployed 175 policemen at 68 markets, ward-wise mobile police teams with 256 members, and 200 police in 10 checkpoints.

The shopping malls have also taken own security measures by recruiting more security guards from security agencies and setting up security systems.

The management of Bashundhara City shopping mall in Panthapath which has about 2,332 shops, three mini cinema halls, gymnasium and other facilities, has taken strict measures for ensuring security to the businessmen and customers.

"We have recruited retired army personnel for security service. Besides, we have a hundred CCTV and metal detectors; and for Eid we have deployed vigilance teams in civil dress," said Colonel Ahsan responsible for the security of Bashundhara City.

About the extortion over phone, he said the market has PABX phones with caller ID system that enables them to identify the callers.

The management of Eastern Plaza market has introduced manual alarm system to guard against extortion and CCTV with recording facility.