Armed robbers and so-called “Tana Party” gangs have become increasingly brazen across Dhaka, carrying out attacks and snatching valuables in broad daylight as well as at night, leaving residents concerned about their safety.
Recent incidents involving armed gangs on motorcycles, CNG-run auto-rickshaws and other vehicles have heightened fears among pedestrians, passengers and businesspeople.
High-profile robberies spark concern
On August 9, Tk21.25 crore was reportedly looted from a vehicle carrying money from a filling station in Uttara. A group of criminals riding three motorcycles intercepted the vehicle while the money was being taken to a bank, attacked those inside with sharp weapons and fled with the cash.
A case was filed with Airport police station, and several law enforcement units launched an investigation. Police and RAB later arrested several suspects in connection with the robbery.
On June 26, a businessman was shot and robbed of $17,000 in broad daylight in front of Janata Bank near Shapla Chattar in Motijheel.
The incident occurred at around 3pm when money exchange trader Md Lokman was attacked by two men attempting to snatch his bag. He was shot during the ensuing struggle and later admitted to Mugda Medical College Hospital.
The attackers then took the bag and fled on a motorcycle.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Detective Branch Chief Shafiqul Islam said police had solved the Uttara case and arrested those involved.
"We have also been able to arrest the robbers involved in the Motijheel incident," he said.
He said there was little chance of criminals escaping justice in the capital and that drives against robbers and other criminals were continuing.
Robbers increasingly brazen
City residents say armed robbers are now operating not only under the cover of darkness but also on busy streets in broad daylight.
Criminals often use CNG-run auto-rickshaws, motorcycles or private cars to approach their victims before fleeing within moments after snatching money and valuables.
In some cases, victims who attempt to resist are attacked with machetes, knives or firearms.
Recently, two youths allegedly attacked a bKash agent shop in Shekhertek, Adabor, with sharp weapons. Shop owner Shafiqul Islam was seriously injured.
Police from Adabor police station launched a raid on a suspected hideout following the incident. The suspects allegedly attacked the police during the operation, injuring Adabor police station Officer-in-Charge Md Jahidul Islam Jahangir and Sub-Inspector Tarun Kumar.
Four people were subsequently arrested from the scene.
A few days earlier, two police officers were stabbed while attempting to catch a suspected robber in the Zia Udyan area under Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police station.
On June 12, SI Samsujoha and Constable Hridoy Hossain were attacked with knives by a suspected robber.
On June 7, Soheli Islam died after being attacked by two suspected robbers in Gabtoli.
She was getting off a bus and heading home to Dhanmondi when the attackers allegedly grabbed and pulled her vanity bag, causing her to fall onto the road. She died four days later while undergoing treatment. Police have yet to identify anyone in connection with the incident.
Earlier, in March, 21-year-old housewife Mukta Akhter died in a similar incident.
On March 19, she was leaving her home in Uttara for Eid shopping when suspected robbers allegedly grabbed her bag and pulled it. She later died in hospital from injuries sustained in the incident.
178 robbery cases in seven months
According to police sources, at least 178 robbery cases were filed at different police stations across the capital between January and July this year.
However, crime experts believe the actual number may be considerably higher, as many victims avoid filing cases or report incidents through general diaries (GDs), particularly when the stolen property is of relatively low value.
According to DMP data, 29 robbery cases were recorded in January, 22 in February, 25 in March, 25 in April, 33 in May, 24 in June and 20 in July. May recorded the highest number of cases during the seven-month period.
The problem is not confined to a particular part of Dhaka. Public transport passengers, women and people travelling early in the morning or late at night are considered particularly vulnerable.
342 robbery hotspots identified
Police have identified 342 robbery hotspots across Dhaka.
According to police and local sources, Motijheel and Paltan are considered high-risk areas because of the large volume of financial transactions and movement of businesspeople and bank customers.
Sadarghat and Gulistan are also vulnerable because of their large crowds, while motorcycle gangs are reportedly active along Uttara and Airport Road, particularly on relatively isolated stretches.
Karwan Bazar and Farmgate also see incidents around footbridges, bus stops and traffic signals, where criminals can quickly snatch phones and bags before fleeing.
Mirpur and Mohammadpur have also been identified as areas where passengers travelling by rickshaw or CNG-run auto-rickshaw face risks, particularly at night and in the early morning.
According to police data, 108 of the 342 hotspots are located in Mohammadpur and Adabor under the Tejgaon division.
Another 25 are located in the areas under Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Tejgaon Industrial Area and Hatirjheel police stations.
The greater Mirpur area has 95 hotspots, while the Gulshan and Uttara divisions have 94. Motijheel has 30, Wari 35, and Ramna and Lalbagh divisions have 45.
Police estimate that around 1,200 criminals are active in these hotspots.
1,387 registered robbers active
A police source said 1,387 registered robbers are currently active across the eight DMP divisions.
Of them, 152 are in Ramna division, 159 in Lalbagh, 308 in Wari, 168 in Motijheel, 240 in Tejgaon, 53 in Mirpur, 67 in Gulshan and 240 in Uttara.
Tejgaon division Deputy Commissioner Ibne Mizan told Bangla Tribune that police were working to curb all types of crime, including robbery, ‘tana party’ activities, teenage gangs and drug-related offences.
"Raids are being conducted every day and arrests are being made," he said.
Mirpur division Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Sardar said special drives were also continuing in his jurisdiction.
"Every day, we are arresting more than a hundred people. Among them are robbers and ‘tana party’ members. Other criminals are also being arrested," he told Bangla Tribune.
Airport police station OC Kamrul Islam Talukder said patrols along Airport Road had been increased significantly.
"We have increased patrols on Airport Road compared to any time before. Police in plain clothes and uniform are deployed at the Airport intersection. We have taken a strong stance against ‘tana party’ members and robbers," he told Bangla Tribune.
Victims call for stronger patrols
Shahadat Hossain said he was recently travelling from the Press Club to Mirpur in a CNG-run auto-rickshaw when someone attempted to snatch his phone after cutting into the vehicle with a knife near Shahbag.
He managed to prevent the attackers from taking his phone.
"The robbers are becoming reckless because of inadequate police patrols on the roads. Patrols should be increased and drives against them intensified," he said.
Arman Ahmed also said he was targeted while travelling in a private car along the Tejgaon highway. His mobile phone was snatched during the incident.
He said similar incidents occur occasionally along the road and called for increased patrols.
Kamruzzaman, a private university teacher, said stronger police patrols and expanded CCTV coverage were necessary to prevent robbery and snatching.
"Fear will not subside unless mobile phone tracking and the prompt arrest of identified criminals are ensured. Visible and strict action by law enforcement agencies is the need of the hour," he told Bangla Tribune.