Bangladesh Police has issued a warning urging the public not to board microbuses or similar vehicles from the middle of roads, amid a surge in incidents involving passenger abductions and robberies.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Headquarters made the appeal following reports that fraudsters have been deceiving passengers in microbuses using various tricks in different parts of the country.
According to the statement, criminals are taking passengers to secluded areas and robbing them. In some cases, they are forcing passengers to call family members and demand ransom through mobile financial services (MFS) at gunpoint.
The Police Headquarters requested passengers to remain vigilant and cautious against such criminal activities.
It also advised people not to accept food or drinks from unknown individuals while traveling and to stay alert about fraudsters, including members of "ogyan party" (doping gangs) and "malam party" (gangs using ointments to incapacitate victims).
"Be cautious while traveling alone and keep your family members or relatives informed about your location and destination," the statement said.
"Keep a watchful eye on the passengers around you. If you suspect anyone or notice any suspicious vehicle or situation, immediately inform the nearest police station or call the national emergency service 999," it added.
The statement further said Bangladesh Police continues its operations against organized criminal groups and fraudsters across the country.
