Dhaka, Mar 09 (V7N) –As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, a surge in highway robberies and muggings across Bangladesh has raised serious concerns about travel safety.
These crimes are not limited to nighttime; even in broad daylight, robbers are intercepting passenger buses by blocking roads with felled trees, attacking passengers and snatching their belongings.
Multiple daylight robberies have occurred on the Dhaka-Aricha highway at the same location in Savar within a few days.
These occurrences have instilled fear among travellers and the general public, and concerns are growing about the impact on the transport sector during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, as half of the sector’s business could be lost due to safety concerns.
This also raises questions about the measures being taken by the authorities to ensure highway security.
Law enforcement blamed for inaction
Many organizations claim that the rise in robberies is due to the inaction and lax patrols of law enforcement agencies.
According to the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, a passenger welfare association, the fear of robbery has led to a decline in the number of long-distance travellers.
Meanwhile, the Highway Police says that despite various limitations, it has taken steps to enhance security, including increasing manpower.
Additionally, coordination with district police has been strengthened to improve highway security, it adds.
According to police reports, in the past one and a half months, 16 cases of highway robbery have been registered, leading to multiple arrests.
Recent incidents
On February 14, a robbery took place on a Shuvojatra Paribahan bus around noon near the Police Town area on the Dhaka-Aricha highway.
Three passengers were injured when they were stabbed by the robbers.
Fifteen days later, on March 2, another robbery occurred in broad daylight at the same location.
Victim Nazmul Hossain described his ordeal: He was travelling from Sreepur to Dhaka on a Rajdhani Paribahan bus. When the bus stopped near Police Town, a group of five to six armed robbers stormed in and snatched wallets, mobile phones, gold jewellery and other valuables from passengers. His phone was also taken before the robbers fled.
"Experiencing a robbery in broad daylight on a moving bus is terrifying," he said.
Earlier, at around 4:15am on February 25, four buses carrying students and teachers on a study tour were attacked by robbers in Ghatail, Tangail.
The buses, travelling from Mymensingh’s Fulbaria to a park in Natore, were stopped by felled trees.
The robbers then took cash, mobile phones and jewellery from students, teachers and guardians.
However, police arrived after a call to 999, prompting the robbers to flee. The next day, police arrested four suspects in connection with the incident.
Another widely discussed incident was the robbery on a moving bus travelling from Dhaka to Rajshahi.
At approximately 11:30pm on February 17, a Unique Road Royals bus of Amri Travels left Dhaka’s Gabtoli terminal. Around an hour later, robbers hijacked the bus, held passengers at gunpoint for over three hours and not only looted valuables but also reportedly sexually harassed two female passengers.
Police later arrested several suspects, including the ringleader of the gang.
Statistics
Police data indicate that robbery and mugging cases have surged in recent months. Between August and January, a total of 1,145 robbery cases were filed – 382 more than the previous year, marking a 50% increase.
Rabiul Islam, who is employed in the private sector and travels to his hometown in Dinajpur every Eid, expressed his concerns. "If roads are unsafe even during the day, traveling at night becomes even more dangerous. I usually travel at night, but now I fear for my safety. Highway security must be increased."
Saddam Hossain, a driver of Savar Paribahan, said: "I have been hearing about these robberies lately. The Eid shopping season is coming up, and we just want to drive without fear. More security on the roads would help us a lot."
Economic impact
Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, secretary general of the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, said robberies and muggings were not limited to highways but also occurred on district and regional roads, making passengers fearful and reducing the number of travellers.
"As a result, the transport sector may suffer a significant financial setback during Eid. Normally, this is a Tk60,000-crore sector during Eid, but this could drop to Tk30,000 crore – a 50% reduction," he added.
Police response and challenges
Imtiaz Ahmed, deputy inspector general (DIG) of the Highway Police (North Division), acknowledged the rise in highway crimes and the challenges faced by law enforcement.
"We have always focused on reducing traffic congestion before Eid. However, this time, highway crimes have increased. Since August 5, the Highway Police and other police units have faced various challenges, including manpower shortages. We have a limited number of vehicles and our force is understaffed."
He noted that the Highway Police was responsible for securing 8,000km of roads nationwide, adding that only 2,500 officers were available to patrol them.
"We have requested an increase in manpower and are working closely with highway police stations and district police to ensure security," Imtiaz added.
END/MSS/AJ
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