A recent escalation in crime across Dhaka has cast a shadow over daily life, leaving residents increasingly fearful and frustrated. Reports of mugging, robbery and even murder have surged, in particular, in neighbourhoods such as Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur. This worrying trend has become a main concern for the authorities concerned, whose response so far has failed to adequately reassure the public. The residents face an added daily fear of becoming the next victim amid an economic downturn, underscoring an urgent need for a robust, sustained response from law enforcement agencies.
The situation has only become more alarming with fresh, high-profile cases underscoring several challenges in investigating and addressing criminal activities effectively. Just a week before, Rasel Ali, an official at Delta Bureau de Change, was robbed of Tk 50 lakh in Dhanmondi. Despite lodging a case after the incident and providing CCTV evidence, the investigation has progressed slowly, with no arrests yet made. The investigating official cited resource and manpower constraints, which signals systemic gaps in law enforcement agency’s capacity to tackle mounting crime.
This sluggish response to investigation adds to the growing frustration of residents, who have begun vocalising their concern. Many locals feel law enforcement agencies’ ability to protect them is wavering, with community members left fearing for their safety every time they step out. Neighbourhoods across the city, from Dhanmondi 32 and Mohammadpur, are experiencing a rise in coordinated criminal activities, with mugging by groups using motorcycles and other vehicles for quick escape. Such brazen tactics mark a concerning shift, from cunning theft to organised operations that cane strike even in relatively busy places.
Going forward, the capital’s law
enforcement agencies must strengthen
their focus on proactive, intelligence-driven
policing
The recent incident involving Tasreen Shamima, who shared her experience of being attacked by some muggers near Dhanmondi 32 on Mirpur Road, further underlines this alarming trend. Despite being surrounded by passerby, she was left to fend off her attackers alone, emphasising a sense of helplessness that now permeates the capital’s public spaces. Social media has become a medium for innumerable similar stories, demonstrating that the reported cases may only scratch the surface of the issue.
Faced with escalating pressure, the DMP and Bangladesh Army personnel launched a joint operation in Mohammadpur, arresting 22 individuals, with notorious criminals such as Adam Bepari Selim and leaders of the Ruhul Gang. The crackdown also targeted main drug dealers and youth gang members. Although this action was crucial and welcomed by the community, these operations are not a sufficient answer to the capital's mounting security concern. Criminal networks in the capital appear well-coordinated and persistent, requiring law enforcement agencies to adopt a proactive and sustained strategy rather than irregular response. Going forward, the capital’s law enforcement agencies must strengthen their focus on proactive, intelligence-driven policing. Preventive measures, like regular patrols in high-risk areas and enriched monitoring, may help prevent criminal activities before they happen. Community collaboration is also critical— establishing a good environment for residents to report suspicious activity and voice concern can empower communities and bolster public safety efforts. Furthermore, equipping police with enriched resources, training and investigative factors are crucial for rapid case resolution, which in turn helps restore public trust.
We know that all citizens have a fundamental right to feel safe in their own country. To achieve this, authorities concerned must prioritise the protection of citizens with a long-term approach that ensures consistent and visible security improvement. The capital may take necessary steps to reverse the mounting crime trend by addressing resource gaps, engaging the community and fostering a skilled law enforcement agencies’ response. A commitment to safeguarding public spaces and ensuring justice for victims will restore faith in law enforcement agencies and will also promote a more secure, resilient city for everyone.
It is time for authorities concerned to act decisively, moving beyond responsive measures to build a Dhaka where people may live, work and move safely with no constant fear of crime. This is a call for safety and call for the capital to exemplify the law and order that its citizens legally expect and deserve.
