Panic in Dhaka as mugging gangs prowl
Dhaka’s streets, once bustling with life, have turned into a stage of fear as brazen mugging gangs roam unchecked. Armed with sharp weapons, these criminals have targeted individuals, vehicles, and homes, causing panic across the capital.
A chilling video captured in the Asad Gate area on December 16 shows three young men wielding machetes, smashing a car window, and snatching a mobile phone before fleeing. The footage, shared on social media, instantly went viral, sparking outrage and raising serious concerns about the city’s deteriorating security.
Rising crime hotspots
Areas like Mohammadpur,Sayedabad, Jatrabari, and Farmgate have become epicenters for these crimes. In one alarming incident, Kamrul Hasan was attacked on the Hanif Flyover while walking to the Sayedabad bus stand. Robbers armed with sharp knives assaulted him, leaving him critically injured, and stole his phone and cash.
Police later arrested two teenage suspects involved in the attack, highlighting a disturbing trend: many perpetrators are alarmingly young, aged just 16 or 17.
Unprecedented surge in mugging
The recent spike in crimes has gripped neighbourhoods like Khilgaon, Mirpur, and Gulshan. Residents report that as night falls, robbers become increasingly brazen, with incidents of violence, serious injuries, and even fatalities.
Between November 1 and December 10, at least 34 mugging cases were filed with Dhaka’s 50 police stations. Over 100 victims filed general diaries (GDs), with reports indicating at least seven fatalities linked to robberies since August. Experts attribute the rise to soaring commodity prices and inadequate law enforcement.
Victims’ voices
The fear is palpable among residents. Photojournalist Md Naimur Rahman of Ittefaq was ambushed on November 13 in Mohammadpur, losing his camera, phone, and cash to armed assailants. Despite police efforts, his belongings remain unrecovered.
Similarly, journalist Mofizul Islam Sadiq fell victim to a phone-snatching incident in Mirpur on December 16. “I shouted for help, but no one came forward,” he lamented.
Experts’ take
Professor Omar Faruk, a criminology expert, identifies two primary reasons for the surge in crimes: economic hardship and weakened law enforcement. “Price hikes are pushing more people toward criminal activities, and the police haven’t yet regained their full effectiveness,” he noted.
Adding to the chaos, robbers reportedly use weapons looted during the government transition in August.
Law enforcement response
Authorities acknowledge the problem but struggle to keep pace with the criminals. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have intensified patrols, set up check posts, and arrested over 200 suspects in recent weeks.
Lieutenant Colonel Munim Ferdous of RAB emphasised, “We’re prioritising high-crime areas and adjusting our operations accordingly. Arrests have been made, but there’s still work to do.”
DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali assured, “We are working tirelessly to restore order. Mobile phone snatching has become a major concern, but we’re acting swiftly on 999 emergency calls and conducting targeted raids to apprehend culprits.”
Challenges ahead
Despite arrests, the judicial system often fails to deter repeat offenders. Many robbers are granted bail, only to return to criminal activities. Authorities have urged courts to tighten bail procedures for habitual offenders.
Hope amid fear
As Dhaka grapples with this wave of crime, residents demand swift and effective action. The city’s security agencies must rise to the challenge to restore safety and trust in the capital’s streets. Until then, fear remains a constant companion for many in Dhaka.
