Criminal offences, including murders, muggings, robberies, and thefts, have surged in the capital city, causing panic among its residents and raising serious concerns about public safety and law enforcers’ ability to combat the escalating threat.
Already struggling with rising inflation, people now fall victim to crimes almost every day. Over two dozen mugging and robbery incidents have been reported in the last few days.
Newspapers have consistently published reports on crime incidents in neighbourhoods under the jurisdiction of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), showing a rise in criminal offences across the city.
However, city dwellers believe the number of crime incidents might be much higher as many cases go unreported.
On Saturday evening, Tasreen Shamima fell victim to muggers near Dhanmondi 32 on Mirpur Road. She shared her ordeal on social media, saying, “After my MBA class, I was returning home (Mohammadpur) by rickshaw around 6:30–7:00 pm near Mirpur Road signal at 32, when I was attacked by two muggers. Despite many people around, no one stepped forward to help. However, by Allah’s grace, I was unharmed. Although they tried to grab my phone, my screams eventually forced them to leave.”
On October 19, miscreants robbed Tk 50 lakh from Rasel Ali, the manager of Delta Bureau de Change, a foreign currency exchange business located at Keari Plaza on Satmasjid Road.
Fear has since gripped Dhanmondi residents, who report a rise in criminal activities as night falls. Yet, locals say incidents in the area often remain underreported.
Following the robbery, the money exchange owner, Kaiyum Reza, filed a case with Dhanmondi Police Station on October 20. After eight days, the investigation has yet to arrest any suspects, with Reza expressing frustration, saying, “The police are not carrying out the investigation seriously, citing manpower and technical resource shortages as obstacles.”
Despite reviewing the CCTV footage, investigating officer Sub-Inspector Raihan Siddiqui Shamim said there has been little progress in the case.
On September 3, a student named Raiyan Bhuiyan fell victim to muggers in front of Kakoli School on Dhanmondi Road 8/1 around 7:30 pm. His mother, Tajnur Jahan, filed a written complaint to Dhanmondi Police Station the same day, though it was not recorded as a case.
Locals from Dhanmondi 32 to footbridge near Dhanmondi 27 have also noted that the area has long been prone to muggings. Previously, early morning muggings by notorious “Tana Party” were common, but now groups of muggers armed with firearms and sharp weapons are reportedly targeting individuals in the evening, escaping the spots by motorcycles, private cars, or small trucks.
In response to public outrage, ADC Zisanul Haque stated that they have stepped up patrols, saying that mugging in Dhanmondi remains relatively low and that action is taken when they get specific information.
On Saturday, Mohammadpur residents staged a protest at the local police station, demanding immediate action to fight the rise in crimes. Frustrated residents have expressed dissatisfaction with law enforcement agencies, urging police to ensure security within three days.
According to the DMP data, Mohammadpur Police Station alone recorded four murders, one mugging, and two robberies between October 1 and October 25. September’s statistics were equally concerning, with 17 murders and one reported mugging, highlighting a persistent security threat in the area.
On Sunday, joint forces arrested 22 criminals including murder suspects, extortionists, and teen gang members from Mohammadpur area in the capital.
A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Bangladesh Army continues to work neutrally and professionally to safeguard citizens’ lives, secure vital government installations, maintain law and order and uphold the rule of law across the country. As part of this ongoing effort, the army in cooperation with the police, carried out a large-scale operation on Sunday, both day and night, in Mohammadpur area.
During the operation, the joint forces of the 46 Independent Brigade of the Bangladesh Army and police arrested several top criminals, including notorious Mohammadpur terrorist Adam Bepari Selim and leaders of Ruhul Gang, such as Ibrahim and Sagor.
Additionally, the operation led to the capture of two major drug dealers from Geneva Camp, ten muggers, and seven juvenile gang members, who were then handed over to the police. In total, 22 criminals were detained during this crackdown in Mohammadpur area.
