Daylight muggings expose Mohammadpur's vulnerability
The persistence of muggings and lootings in Dhaka has left residents in a constant state of fear while outdoors. Reportedly, criminals are no longer waiting for the cover of darkness, with daylight muggings becoming increasingly common. The situation is particularly severe in Mohammadpur, where organised gangs armed with sharp weapons are often attacking people in broad daylight. While such crimes were widely reported in the aftermath of the fall of the Awami League government, police efforts to curb them have remained inadequate even after nearly six months.
According to an intelligence report, there are at least 432 high-risk spots for mugging across the city, with Mohammadpur alone accounting for 108. Residents report frequent incidents in areas such as Bosila, Tin Rastar Mor, Dhaka Udyan, Nobodoy Housing, Chand Udyan, Bosila Garden City, 40 Feet Road, Chandrima Housing, Ekota Housing, and Nabinagar. Many of the crimes are allegedly committed by teen and youth gangs. While Mohammadpur has been a hotspot for quite some time, muggings are also rampant in Dhanmondi, Asad Gate, and other neighbourhoods. Reportedly, the authorities have identified 205 active muggers in Mohammadpur alone. The question is, what are they doing to prevent them?
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Recently, a video that went viral on social media showed a teenage boy hacking another with a machete in broad daylight in Dhaka Udyan. On January 25, three young men stopped a college student's rickshaw near Dhaka State College on Nurjahan Road and snatched his phone at knifepoint. The incident was caught on a security camera, while multiple bystanders witnessed it. Unfortunately, despite the availability of CCTV footage in many such incidents—some of which have gone viral—many criminals remain at large. More alarmingly, the victims are often stabbed or hacked. Clearly, the city's law and order situation has worsened in recent months, despite expectations to the contrary.
But why are the police still failing to protect all citizens? Ensuring public safety is their fundamental responsibility. Since the August 5 political changeover, law enforcement agencies have repeatedly assured us that they are increasing patrols and surveillance, yet mugging incidents abound. Recently, the IGP stated that police must adopt a zero-tolerance policy against extortion and mugging. It is time for such pledges to translate into action. Dhaka's residents need safety and security, not empty promises.
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