Eid nears, crime fear grows among residents

A number of incidents in and around Dhaka have heightened concerns about law and order in the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, even as police say enhanced security measures have been put in place to ensure public safety during the holiday period.

On Sunday night, a young man was killed in a shooting near the Central Shaheed Minar area.

Earlier in the day, the body of a university student was recovered near Jahangirnagar University.

The victim, identified as Sharmin Jahan, was first found unconscious with a head injury at a rented house in the Islamnagar area adjacent to the campus on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated in the capital’s Uttara area after a rickshaw driver was allegedly beaten.

Angry rickshaw and auto-rickshaw drivers surrounded a shopping complex and blocked the road in protest.

When police attempted to control the situation, protesters reportedly threw bricks and pellets at officers, prompting police to respond with several sound grenades to disperse the crowd.

Amid these incidents, concerns over crime have been growing in Dhaka as millions of residents prepare to leave the city for the Eid holidays.

The capital is currently experiencing a contrasting situation: busy transport terminals filled with homebound passengers alongside growing anxiety about the safety of empty homes.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has acknowledged that incidents of mugging, theft and fraud tend to increase before and after Eid. Acting DMP Commissioner Md. Sarwar said patrols have been significantly intensified across the city to ensure the safety of residents.

“Special security arrangements have been taken so that city residents can celebrate Eid safely,” he said, adding that plain-clothes intelligence officers have been deployed in shopping malls, residential areas and transport terminals, while patrols have been strengthened on important roads and neighbourhood streets.

Law-enforcement sources say organised criminal groups often become active during the Eid season.

Many suspects travel to Dhaka from different districts and blend in with crowds at bus terminals, railway stations and markets.

Particular concern surrounds major transport hubs such as Sayedabad Bus Terminal, Gabtoli Bus Terminal, Mohakhali Bus Terminal, Sadarghat Launch Terminal and Kamalapur Railway Station, where so-called “drugging gangs” are known to target travellers.

Members of these groups reportedly befriend passengers and secretly mix sedatives into food or drinks before stealing valuables once the victim becomes unconscious.

Police and hospital sources have also warned of the activities of so-called “ointment gangs”, who apply chilli powder or chemical substances to victims’ eyes in crowded places before snatching mobile phones, wallets or watches.

According to data from Bangladesh Police, incidents of mugging and banditry remain a concern. In January this year, 163 such cases were recorded nationwide, including 29 in the capital and 42 in other districts of the Dhaka division.

Another 137 cases were reported in February. During the same period, 308 complaints of mugging were filed at police stations under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

Intelligence sources say authorities have identified more than 430 vulnerable crime hotspots across eight zones of the capital, with nearly 1,000 suspected snatchers believed to be operating in different areas.

Crime patterns in Dhaka have also evolved in recent years. Apart from traditional break-ins, organised “acrobat gangs” have been targeting empty apartments during holidays by climbing pipes and cutting window grills after identifying CCTV blind spots.

Professor Dr Saber Ahmed Chowdhury, of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at University of Dhaka, told The New Nation that a vacuum in law and order emerged after the mass uprising of 5 August 2024, when many police personnel were absent from duty.

However, with the newly elected government formed after the 12 February elections, people now expect the situation to stabilise.

“If the government fails to improve the law and order situation, public confidence in the new administration may weaken,” he warned.

Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, a crime analyst and former police officer, said a seasonal pattern of crime has developed in the capital during Eid periods.

“Many young men engaged in small occupations in rural areas see Eid as an opportunity to earn quick money and come to the capital by joining organised criminal groups,” he said.

“To curb such crimes, increasing patrols alone will not be enough; greater emphasis must be placed on intelligence surveillance and dismantling criminal networks.”

Police have urged citizens to remain cautious while travelling and to report suspicious activities through the emergency service number 999.

Acting Commissioner Sarwar said police remain on the highest alert during the Eid period and that additional security measures will be taken if necessary.

Despite these preparations, however, many residents remain anxious as Dhaka gradually becomes quieter during the long holiday.

Locked apartments and deserted neighbourhoods continue to raise fears that opportunistic criminals may attempt to take advantage of the situation.