We are obviously concerned about incidents of robbery, burglary and mugging across the capital Dhaka. Panic starts gripping the people after dusk with reports of robbery, burglary and mugging across the city flooding social media. Most of the city people spent a sleepless night on Wednesday night in fear of robbery and looting.
The incidents of robbery, burglary and mugging took place in different areas of the city including Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi Jigatola, Uttara, Mirpur, Jatrabari and the old part of Dhaka. Many residents in groups guarded their respective areas throughout the night to ensure security in absence of law enforcers. They came out of their houses and patrolled the areas with sticks in hand to provide security throughout the night. They went back into their homes on Thursday morning. Area-wise patrol teams were formed, with communications taking place among citizens on different messaging platforms. In some of the places, army personnel fended off such attempts while in many areas locals formed groups to patrol their areas. Many netizens also took to Facebook to report incidents of robbery and burglary, according to media reports.
Besides, the mosques in many areas announced that robbers have entered the neighbourhood. The announcement asked people to keep their doors locked. Many took to social media seeking help from their neighbours during robberies in their areas.
Most of the city people spent
a sleepless night on Wednesday
night in fear of robbery and looting
We think such situation cannot continue for long. The law enforcement agencies should start their duties and provide security to the people. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, meanwhile, acknowledged that there were incidents of looting and anarchy after the ouster of the Awami League government as the “police forces became totally dysfunctional” and it was not possible on the part of the military along with the navy and air force troops to “fill up the void”.
However, the policemen are returning to their working places from Thursday responding to the call of the newly appointed Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Md Mainul Islam. People from all walks of life, including different political parties’ leaders and students should extend all-out necessary support to the returnee police personnel so they can come to their work places safely and provide security to our lives and properties.
In this regard, the law enforcement agencies must focus on punctuality in order to restore law and order along with ensuring security of the city dwellers. They will also have to launch a prompt drive immediately to nab the armed goons involved in robbery, burglary and mugging in the city
