Surge in Robberies and Arms Snatching in Narayanganj

Narayanganj, a key industrial district, has witnessed a troubling rise in organised crime, including a series of robberies and even the snatching of police firearms over the course of a single month. Between 26 March and 26 April, a total of 18 robbery incidents were recorded across five upazilas, creating heightened concern over public safety and law enforcement effectiveness.

Widening Pattern of Crime

The affected areas include Araihazar, Sonargaon, Rupganj, and Fatullah, where armed gangs have reportedly operated with increasing boldness. Araihazar alone accounted for more than ten house raids during the period. In one particularly alarming incident on 8 April in the Bishnandi Union, masked assailants stormed three households in a single night, intensifying fear among local residents.

Major highways have also become vulnerable. On 21 April, a woman returning from abroad was targeted near the Dhaka–Sylhet Highway at Saoghat, where criminals posing as detectives intercepted her vehicle. She reportedly lost gold ornaments weighing approximately six tola along with foreign currency and sustained injuries during the incident.

In Fatullah, a businessman suffered losses worth millions in a residential burglary. Meanwhile, in Sonargaon, a distribution centre was robbed in a coordinated, film-style operation, with approximately 700,000 Bangladeshi Taka taken.

Summary of Key Incidents

Reluctance to File Cases

Despite the scale of incidents, many victims are reportedly reluctant to lodge formal complaints, citing fear of harassment and lack of results. A retired head teacher, victim of a robbery, stated that previous attempts to file cases yielded no recovery of stolen goods and involved repeated visits from authorities without resolution, discouraging further legal action.

Civil society representatives have expressed concern over declining public trust. Observers note that fear of procedural harassment now outweighs the desire for legal redress, reflecting a deeper institutional challenge.

Police Response

According to the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations), 17 individuals have so far been arrested in connection with recent robbery cases. He further noted that several suspects were detained while allegedly preparing for criminal activity, suggesting proactive policing efforts.

Motorcycle Theft Inside Police Facilities

Security concerns have extended even into police premises. Over the past two years, at least five motorcycles belonging to police personnel were stolen from Siddhirganj Police Station and adjacent residential quarters. In some cases, thefts occurred inside the station compound itself.

Victims among the police force have expressed frustration over internal security lapses. Investigators have reviewed CCTV footage in at least one case, though poor visibility at night has hindered identification of suspects, leaving several cases unresolved.

Arms Snatching Incidents

The most serious escalation involves attacks on law enforcement personnel. On 30 April, police officers conducting an anti-narcotics and anti-snatching operation in Rustampur Chowdhury Para were attacked, during which criminals seized a government-issued shotgun and injured two officers with sharp weapons.

Earlier, on 9 March, an Assistant Sub-Inspector’s pistol was snatched in the Nitaiganj area but was later recovered. Despite recovery of the weapons, the incidents have contributed significantly to public concern regarding law and order stability in the district.

Overall, the series of robberies, internal security failures, and attacks on police underline growing challenges in maintaining public safety in Narayanganj.