The list of the markets identified as 'less protected' has recently been submitted to the home ministry for taking action, DMP sources said.

As law and order situation deteriorates during the Ramadan with increased incidents of mugging, the government has planned to take such measures, they added.

"We listed the markets where rush of people is high and money transaction is huge. Our previous experiences show higher incidents of mugging before Eid in these places," said DMP Commissioner SM Mizanur Rahman.

Karnafuli Garden City, Eastern Plaza, Rifles Square, Bishal Centre, Peer Yeamini Market, New Market and some other shopping centres in Chawkbazar, Uttara, Gulshan, Asad Gate, Paltan and Mirpur are among these markets.

"During Ramadan we fear increased criminal activities in the city markets. If the government steps up security by deploying more police force, it will have a positive impact," said a shop-owner at Karnafuli Garden City.

DMP will deploy 1,500 more uniformed policemen along with plainclothes cops to maintain security in the listed markets and their surrounding areas.

As part of the anti-crime measures for the shopping malls, DMP also asked the market and shop owners to install closed-circuit television (CCTV).

"CCTV has already been installed at Meena Bazar, Agora in Maghbazar, Karnafuli Garden City and a few other markets," the DMP commissioner said, hoping that the owners of other shopping malls will also install it soon.

Before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, 450 to 500 additional patrol police will be deployed to check public sufferings and harassment by muggers. Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) will also be in action in the crime-prone zones, home ministry sources said.

The ministry officials said police department will offer security for the businessmen who carry large amount of money during the Ramadan. DMP is going to make special arrangements for this and it be advertised through the media.