Police, RAB Surround Rupali Bank in Keraniganj after robbery attempt

Police and RAB, supported by locals, have cordoned off the Rupali Bank branch in Keraniganj, Dhaka, following reports of an armed robbery. Efforts are ongoing to negotiate the surrender of the robbers inside the bank.

The incident began around 2:00pm when armed robbers entered the bank in the Chunkutia area. Hundreds of residents, alerted by mosque announcements, surrounded the bank and locked it from the outside to prevent the robbers from escaping.

Dhaka District Superintendent of Police (SP) Ahmed Mueed stated, "The robbers are armed, and we are working to ensure their safe surrender."

Additional DIG Khademul Haque, commander of RAB-10, confirmed that RAB units responded promptly, arriving in three vehicles to assist with the situation.

Authorities are trying to ascertain the number of robbers inside and their motives. Security has been significantly heightened to maintain order. A Dhaka district police officer, speaking anonymously, estimated that up to 20 people, including bank employees and customers, might be held hostage inside.

A senior official from Rupali Bank's head office told Jago News that law enforcement agencies are actively negotiating with the robbers. According to the official, two armed men are holding 12 bank employees hostage, along with some customers, and have demanded safe passage.

"We've communicated with the officials trapped inside. They confirmed that no money has been stolen, and there has been no damage so far. The robbers appear to be panicked due to the large presence of police, RAB, and army personnel outside," the official said. "Although they have taken hostages, they seem focused on negotiating a safe exit."