Mohammadpur tops Dhaka’s crime watchlist

Mohammadpur, once regarded as a prominent residential and educational hub in the capital, is increasingly being identified as one of Dhaka’s most crime-prone areas.

Residents say incidents of snatching, extortion, drug trafficking, gang violence and armed robberies have become frequent, creating widespread fear and insecurity.

Recent incidents, including attacks on law enforcement personnel and the daylight looting of a courier service vehicle, have intensified concerns over the growing influence of organised criminal groups in the area.

Despite repeated drives by police and other agencies, many residents believe the situation remains largely unchanged.

Home Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed has also recently expressed concern regarding the law and order situation in Mohammadpur where he acknowledged that Mohammadpur had developed into a long-standing base for criminal groups.

He said it would not be possible to eliminate crime in the area overnight but assured that the government had adopted a long-term strategy to restore law and order.

Data from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) show that crime across the capital is on the rise. During the first five months of the year, 134 snatching cases were recorded in Dhaka’s eight crime divisions.

The highest monthly figure was reported in May, with 33 cases, compared with 29 in January, 22 in February, and 25 each in March and April.

Police records indicate that around 1,387 identified snatchers are currently active in the capital. Nearly 80 per cent are either convicted offenders or accused persons released on bail in multiple cases. Wari Division recorded the highest number of active criminals at 308, while Mirpur had the lowest at 53.

Although Wari Division topped the city in snatching cases with 32 incidents during January-May, Mohammadpur has emerged as a major concern.

According to DMP data, 205 identified snatchers are active within Mohammadpur Police Station’s jurisdiction, the highest concentration in the city. The area also has 108 identified snatching hotspots, more than any other locality.

Several recent incidents have highlighted the deteriorating security situation. On 19 June, a local BNP ward leader was injured in a knife attack outside his home in the Sat Masjid Housing area. Witnesses said the attackers left the scene openly carrying weapons.

Earlier, on 20 February, two members of the Armed Police Battalion (SPBN-2) were reportedly robbed near the Shaheed Buddhijibi Cemetery in Rayer Bazar. A case was filed against four unidentified individuals.

Following the Eid-ul-Adha holidays, two sisters returning to Dhaka were allegedly robbed at gunpoint outside their residence on Nurjahan Road.

Investigators later uncovered a gang that reportedly used a pickup van and machetes to intimidate victims. Several suspects have since been arrested, and police recovered stolen items, weapons and the vehicle used in the crime.

The rise in violent crime is not limited to Mohammadpur. On 7 June, armed assailants allegedly shot at a money exchange businessman in Motijheel before fleeing with $17,000. In Adabar, police officers were injured in machete attacks while pursuing suspects linked to a robbery involving a bKash agent.

RAB-2 Commander Additional DIG Nayeemul Hasan said law enforcement agencies remained capable of dealing with criminal activity but noted that offenders were constantly changing their tactics. He stressed the need for effective investigations and speedy trials.

Police and legal experts also pointed to weaknesses in the criminal justice system. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Jewel Rana said many suspects secure bail shortly after arrest, limiting the effectiveness of enforcement efforts.

Supreme Court lawyer and Additional Public Prosecutor Muhammad Shamsuddoha Suman cited shortcomings in investigations, delays in submitting charge sheets and inadequate follow-up by investigators as factors that often allow offenders to evade punishment.

As crime continues to rise, residents of Mohammadpur remain concerned about their safety and are calling for stronger and more effective measures to restore security in the area.