Dhaka–Aricha Highway, a major gateway to the capital, is seeing a sharp rise in criminal activity, particularly along the Savar–Nabinagar–Jahangirnagar University corridor. Incidents of mugging, robbery, drug-related crimes, and armed attacks have become frequent, creating fear among commuters and residents.
Several stretches—from Police Town, Bank Town, BPATC, and Radio Colony to C&B, Prantik Gate, and Bishmile—are now considered high-risk zones. Reports suggest that crimes occur almost daily, often following a similar pattern: attackers quickly create panic using threats or weapons, loot valuables, and escape within minutes.
What is especially alarming is that these crimes are no longer limited to nighttime. Organized groups are now carrying out robberies in broad daylight. In many cases, criminals board buses posing as passengers, only to turn aggressive when the vehicle slows down. Passengers are held hostage and robbed at gunpoint before the perpetrators flee. Areas like Bank Town have seen multiple such incidents in recent months, with victims losing phones, cash, and other belongings.
Commuters say traveling on this route, particularly from evening to early morning, has become deeply unsettling. A student from Jahangirnagar University recounted an incident where robbers stopped a rickshaw near Radio Colony, assaulted passengers, and looted their belongings using machetes. Despite the presence of bystanders, no one intervened. Local residents report a surge in incidents, particularly in the Radio Colony and nearby areas, where multiple robberies have occurred within a short span. Muggings near footbridges and roadside zones have further heightened concern.
The nature of crimes has also grown more violent. Criminals are no longer targeting only bus passengers but also pedestrians, motorcyclists, rickshaw riders, and garment workers. In some cases, robberies have escalated into deadly attacks. Recent incidents include two individuals being shot during a robbery in Ashulia’s Jamgara area and a man being hacked to death after allegedly opposing drug-related activities. Earlier, a truck driver was fatally stabbed in Bishmile, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The 6–7 kilometer stretch from Radio Colony to Bishmile is considered the most vulnerable. Thousands of students travel through this area daily, yet security concerns persist. Reports indicate frequent incidents near dormitory gates, dairy farm areas, and along the C&B–Prantik Gate corridor.
Authorities acknowledge the issue and claim that steps are being taken to curb crimes. Plans include installing police boxes, setting up security camps, increasing patrols, and repairing surveillance systems. Law enforcement agencies also report ongoing operations to identify and dismantle criminal networks.
Savar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Arman Ali said several arrests have already been made in connection with mugging incidents, and work is ongoing to establish police camps near the highway. He added that routine patrols are being increased.
Savar Highway Police OC Sheikh Shahjahan Ali said that regular patrols and surveillance have been intensified to prevent mugging and robbery, with special operations being conducted in identified high-risk areas.