Robbery Protest Meeting in Bhairab Disrupted by Fresh Mugging Incident

Bhairab, Kishoreganj – 23 May 2025 — In a deeply ironic and alarming turn of events, a citizen-led protest meeting against rising street robberies in Bhairab was interrupted when a woman burst into the gathering, weeping and claiming she had just fallen victim to yet another mugging.

The protest was organised in response to the recent murder of truck driver Md Sajib (22), who was stabbed to death by muggers near Bhairab on Wednesday. The incident shocked the local community and prompted civil society members to demand urgent action from the authorities.

A Protest Interrupted by Reality

At approximately 11:30 AM on Friday, during the protest held at Bhairab Bus Stand on the Dhaka–Sylhet Highway, Farida Banu (45) rushed into the crowd, sobbing. She recounted that only minutes earlier, she was robbed at knifepoint near a bridge close to the venue.

“My daughter is unwell, and I came to Bhairab to see a doctor. As I was walking, a group of men approached me with knives. They took my mobile phone and Tk 300. They’ve taken everything. What do I do now?” — Farida Banu, victim

Table 1: Victim Profile – Farida Banu

A Community Outraged

Speakers at the protest included:

• Shamsuzzaman, former president of Bhairab Press Club
• Asaduzzaman Faruk, president, TV Journalists’ Association
• Al Mamun, former Upazila Vice Chairman
• Tanvir Ahmed, director, Bhairab Chamber of Commerce
• Md Alal Uddin, general secretary, Nirapad Sarak Chai (Bhairab chapter)

They all echoed the same sentiment: Bhairab has become a haven for criminals.

“Day and night, mugging continues unabated. It’s not just about theft anymore—muggers are stabbing and injuring people, even killing them. Enough is enough.” — Shamsuzzaman

The protesters demanded:

• Immediate publication of a list of known muggers
• Rapid arrest of suspects
• Increased patrolling and public safety measures

They warned of a larger movement if authorities fail to respond.

Murder That Sparked the Protest

The meeting was sparked by the murder of Md Sajib, a 22-year-old truck driver who was killed while stepping down from his vehicle to relieve himself.

“I was in the truck. Within minutes of my brother stepping out, he was surrounded and stabbed—even after handing over his belongings.” — Ibrahim Mia, Sajib’s brother

Police Response and Security Situation

Khondakar Fuad Ruhani, Officer-in-Charge of Bhairab Police Station, stated:

“Four suspects have been identified in connection with Sajib’s murder, and one has already been detained. We’ve increased patrols, and the situation will be brought under control.”

However, concerns remain high, especially as Bhairab’s main bus stand—despite hosting a RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) office—continues to witness criminal incidents in broad daylight.

“If law enforcement can’t protect us, it’s time for ordinary citizens to take action. We will not remain silent anymore.” — Sohelur Rahman, Member Secretary, Press Club

National Context: Rising Street Crimes

Bhairab’s situation mirrors a growing trend across Bangladesh:

Reported Street Crimes (2023–2024) – Selected Regions

*Estimated figures from local police and media reports