Armed Robbers Attack Ambulance Carrying Deceased in Brahmanbaria, Injuring Nine

Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh – In a shocking incident that has drawn widespread outrage, a group of armed robbers ambushed an ambulance transporting a deceased man late Thursday night in the Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. The robbers blocked the road by felling a tree and assaulted the grieving family members, leaving nine injured— including a woman and the ambulance driver.

Incident Summary

Victims of the Attack

The following individuals sustained injuries during the assault:

Background of the Journey

Deceased: Chabdar Ali, a septuagenarian from Mukbulpur village, East Bhagh Union.

Cause of Death: Cancer, under treatment at Ahsania Cancer Hospital in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Journey: Family members were transporting his body back to their native village when the attack occurred.

According to witnesses, the attackers used a felled tree to obstruct the road. Once the ambulance was forced to stop, they began smashing the vehicle with weapons and physically assaulting the occupants inside—including those seated beside the deceased’s body.

Statement from the Victim’s Family

Md. Alamgir Mia, son of the deceased and local BNP ward president, expressed anguish:

“We have no grief for the stolen money or phones. But attacking my father’s dead body—this is beyond humanity. We cannot accept it.”

Police Response and Investigation

Nasirnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khairul Alam confirmed:

“We dispatched a team to the scene immediately upon receiving the report. A manhunt to apprehend the gang is ongoing.”

Wider Implications: Road Robbery in Rural Bangladesh

Though Bangladesh has made significant improvements in road security in urban areas, rural highway robberies remain a serious threat, especially at night. This case raises alarms about:

Lack of police patrols in remote areas

Increasing violence against vulnerable travellers

Insufficient surveillance on key routes used for inter-district travel

According to 2024 data from the Bangladesh Police Headquarters:

Road robbery cases increased by 18% in the past two years.

75% of such incidents occur between midnight and 4 AM.

Ambulances, passenger microbuses, and freight vehicles are often targets.

Safety Advisory

Authorities recommend that:

Emergency travel be limited at night when possible.

Ambulances and hearses be escorted when travelling through remote routes during odd hours.

Public report suspicious roadblocks or groups near highways.

The incident in Brahmanbaria has not only resulted in physical injuries and financial loss but has also deeply wounded the dignity of a grieving family. Swift action by law enforcement and systemic improvements in road security are vital to restore public trust.