Protesters Besiege Adabor Police Station

Local traders and residents laid siege to Adabor Police Station in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka in the early hours of Saturday, demanding urgent action against what they described as a surge in extortion and violent robbery.

The protest began at approximately 1:00 a.m. on 21 February, when aggrieved business owners, factory workers and members of the public gathered outside the police station. Demonstrators not only surrounded the premises but also blocked adjacent roads, bringing traffic to a standstill. Chanting slogans and holding impromptu placards, they called for justice and enhanced security in the neighbourhood.

Violent Attack on Embroidery Factory

According to local sources, tensions escalated earlier on Saturday evening when an armed group reportedly attacked Abir Embroidery Factory in Adabor. The factory was distributing wages at the time. Police said a gang of 10 to 12 assailants, armed with machetes, stormed the premises in an apparent attempt to extort money and seize cash and mobile phones.

Several individuals, including the factory owner and workers, sustained injuries during the assault and were later taken to hospital for treatment. The incident sparked widespread alarm among nearby factory employees, many of whom feared similar attacks.

As news of the assault spread to neighbouring establishments, a group of workers reportedly surrounded the residence of the alleged gang leader, identified locally as Russell. Failing to locate him, they confronted his father instead. Fearing further unrest, the father contacted the police, who subsequently took him into protective custody at Adabor Police Station.

The arrival of the suspect’s father at the station intensified public anger. Shortly thereafter, hundreds of residents converged on the station premises, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible and an end to what they described as persistent criminal intimidation in the area.

Police Response

Mohammadpur Assistant Commissioner Md Abdullah Al Mamun confirmed that a formal case had been filed by the owner of Abir Embroidery Factory. He stated that police had launched an investigation into the attack and pledged that all those found responsible would be brought before the law, irrespective of their identity or affiliation.

“The incident is under active investigation. Those involved in injuring the workers and attempting robbery will face legal consequences,” he said.

At the time of reporting, the protest was still ongoing well past 1:00 a.m., with demonstrators vowing to continue their agitation until tangible action is taken.

Summary of Key Events

Residents insist that unless decisive measures are implemented to curb extortion and street crime, further demonstrations may follow. The episode underscores mounting concerns over security for small and medium-sized businesses operating in densely populated urban neighbourhoods.