Across Dhaka, a city accustomed to the hum of daily life, a night of unprecedented anxiety unfolded as residents took to the streets to protect their neighbourhoods from a wave of robberies.
With law enforcement notably absent, communities across the city united in their determination to safeguard their homes and loved ones.
From the streets of Uttara to the alleys of Old Dhaka, residents armed with nothing more than sticks patrolled their neighbourhoods, eyes sharp and senses heightened. It was a scene of collective vigilance, with ordinary people stepping into roles traditionally held by the police, compelled by a sense of duty and an urgent need to protect what was theirs.
As darkness fell, neighbourhoods like Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, and Mirpur became the frontline in an impromptu campaign against crime. Families, once tucked safely in their homes, were now part of a coordinated effort, pacing the streets, calling out warnings, and leaning on the solidarity of their communities. In some areas, the sight of army personnel patrolling alongside residents added a layer of reassurance, though it also underscored the gravity of the situation.
Warnings also came from the public address systems of the mosques in the dead of night, “Please remain on guard. ‘Dacoits’ have entered our locality.”
Social media platforms buzzed with activity as residents shared updates and sounded alarms. "Help needed in Uttara!" "Robbers sighted in Dhanmondi!" The urgency in their messages was palpable, and the response swift. Neighbours, once connected only by proximity, were now bound by a shared mission.
Nayeem Noor, a resident of Mirpur 6, described the chilling moment when robbers breached the security of his neighbourhood. "I woke up in a panic. It was the calls from nearby mosques, urging vigilance, that galvanised the community into action.”
Men, women, and even teenagers took to the streets, driven by a mix of fear and resolve.
In Mohammadpur, the situation was no less dire. Around 12:30 a.m., as the city slept, groups of robbers infiltrated the area from multiple directions. But the residents were ready. Armed with sticks and a determination not to be victimized, they chased the intruders away, reclaiming their sense of security, if only for a while.
For some, like Shahtub Siddique Anik, the night was long and sleepless. "This situation can't continue," he lamented.
The absence of police was keenly felt, a void left in the wake of recent political turmoil. Following the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, most of the police personnel went into hiding fearing rebuttal for their actions. Video footage of police brutality further fueled public anger, creating a rift between the law enforcers and the people they were sworn to protect.
In response to the chaos, newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Mainul Islam issued a directive for all police officers to return to their posts. His message was clear: it was time to restore order and public confidence.
The Bangladesh police, in a press release, sought to reassure the public, stating that efforts were underway to ensure the safe return of police personnel to their duties. The release also aimed to dispel rumours of obstacles officers face, urging the public not to be swayed by misinformation.