Community Foils Armed Robbery in Raozan

A brazen armed robbery on the night of Shab-e-Qadr in Raozan Upazila, Chittagong, has sent shockwaves through the local community. Residents quickly mobilised after the incident, tracking down and apprehending the suspects, before handing them over to the police. By 5:00 pm on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, authorities had arrested nine individuals in connection with the attack.

The Incident

The robbery took place in the early hours of Tuesday, 17 March, around 1:30 am, at a newly constructed house belonging to the family of the late Haji Md. Yusuf in Badupara, Ward No. 4 of Pahartali Union, adjacent to the Chittagong-Kaptai road. The victims included members of the families of Md. Babul, son of the deceased Haji Yusuf, and the families of the late Manjurul Qader, Ansarul Islam, Saiful Islam, Nazrul Islam, and Md. Hanif.

According to the victims, the robbers entered the two-storey home by cutting through the tin roof above the staircase. Most family members were overseas at the time, working in various Middle Eastern countries. Taking advantage of their absence, the intruders assaulted women, bound their hands and feet, and looted gold jewellery, cash, and clothes reserved for the upcoming Eid festival.

Victim Accounts

Nargis Akhtar, wife of expatriate Ansarul Islam, described the terrifying ordeal. She was performing prayers when 6–7 robbers broke into the house, beating her and her child. The intruders forced the rest of the family together, restraining them with ropes. They were armed with sticks, iron rods, knives, and other makeshift weapons.

She revealed that approximately six bhori of gold jewellery and 10,000 Taka in cash were stolen from her, while the thieves also looted a further 150,000 Taka and valuables from other family members.

Community Response

Local resident Md. Parvez explained that most people were attending prayers at a nearby mosque during Shab-e-Qadr. A relative at the house noticed suspicious activity and alerted worshippers, who quickly rushed to the scene and rescued the family. Residents then conducted searches in surrounding areas, apprehending the first suspect and later capturing additional members of the gang.

Auto-rickshaw driver Syed Muhammad Hanif added that, upon hearing the news, he used mosque loudspeakers to alert the community. Over a hundred young men conducted systematic searches, ultimately helping capture the perpetrators.

Police Action

The Raozan Police Station has confirmed the arrests. Officer-in-Charge Sajedul Islam Palash stated that the detained individuals face multiple charges, including armed robbery, attempted robbery, and theft, with some suspects linked to 4 to 12 cases each. A detailed briefing will be held at the district police office on Wednesday to provide further information.

Community Demands

The victims have demanded the recovery of stolen items, including gold, cash, and other valuables, and called for swift legal action against the criminal network. Local residents have urged authorities to dismantle the gang entirely and ensure justice is served.

Summary of Incident

Conclusion

The incident has highlighted the resilience and solidarity of the Raozan community in the face of violent crime. Quick action by local residents not only safeguarded the victims but also ensured that the perpetrators were brought to justice. Authorities continue to investigate the matter, while the community has reiterated its demand for strict legal action against the criminal network responsible.