We express deep concern over the worsening law and order situation in the capital city of Dhaka and elsewhere in the country and the lack of public safety. Some incidents of killing and mugging recently in the city and elsewhere are stoking fear and insecurity among people.
Tuesday’s daylight robbery in Dhaka’s Mirpur area is a grim situation existing at present. A money exchange businessman was intercepted by six unidentified assailants on motorcycles around 10:00 am on Abdul Baten Road. When he resisted, he was shot and robbed of Tk 22 lakh in local and foreign currencies. This brazen act in broad daylight reflects a growing lawlessness where no one feels safe anymore.
A sense of insecurity now grips residents of major cities, where walking alone—even during the day—has become increasingly unsafe. Crime spikes noticeably before the holy Eid festivals. Organised gangs such as the ‘Malam Party’ and ‘Agyan Party’ ramp up operations, along with currency counterfeiting rings exploiting the festival shopping rush to circulate fake notes.
A sense of insecurity now grips residents
of major cities,
where walking alone—even
during the day—has become increasingly unsafe
Criminal activity is widespread—not only in the capital but also in other metropolitan areas, district towns, and highways. Passers-by and commuters using rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, or buses frequently fall victim to robbery and assault. Criminals often use sharp weapons or firearms to extort money, valuables, and personal belongings.
Extortion ahead of Eid is particularly rampant. Traders face tolls and threats while transporting goods and sacrificial animals to city markets. Reports have it that criminals under the very nose of law enforcement personnel extort toll particularly on key highways like Dhaka-Khulna, Dhaka-Tangail, and Dhaka-Aricha. This must stop.
Therefore, the authorities must act immediately and decisively. No vehicle should be halted without a specific legal allegation. And authorities should launch nationwide crackdown on known
criminals, especially muggers, robbers, and
extortionists.
Intelligence surveillance must be intensified, particularly ahead of Eid, to prevent any planned criminal activities. Coordination between police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), intelligence units, and local security teams should be strengthened.
Residents leaving the city for Eid should take precautions for the safety and security of their homes and valuables. If the situation is not urgently addressed, the rising trend of murder, robbery, mugging, extortion, and abduction will only escalate. The government must follow a zero-tolerance policy towards organised crime and ensure that law enforcement agencies deal with criminals with an iron hand. The public deserves to feel safe—at home, on the roads, and in marketplaces. A strong, united response is imperative to restore law and order across the country and ensure a peaceful Eid for all.
