Cattle theft ahead of Eid-ul-Azha

Incidents of cattle theft and armed robbery are rising across Bangladesh ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha. In recent weeks, reports have emerged from Rajshahi, Cumilla, and surrounding regions, on organised criminal groups now targeting farmers, herders and cattle traders. These incidents are not isolated but appear to be part of a wider and more coordinated pattern of criminal activity.

In Rajshahi, a shocking incident involved an attempted looting of 176 cattle from char areas under Bagha and Lalpur. Armed criminals reportedly attacked herders at gunpoint, forcibly taking control of livestock. Fortunately, the police were able to recover the cattle after a rapid operation. However, such incidents highlight the growing vulnerability of rural livestock farmers who depend heavily on seasonal cattle rearing for their livelihood.

Similarly, in the Cumilla region along the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, repeated incidents of highway robbery have created widespread fear among transport workers and traders. Trucks carrying cattle have been stopped using road blockades, trees or vehicles, and in several cases drivers and assistants have been assaulted with sharp weapons. Valuable livestock worth millions of taka have been looted, leaving owners financially devastated and physically traumatised.

Beyond highways, even rural farms and institutional livestock shelters such as madrassa-based cattle farms have not been spared. Armed gangs have reportedly entered premises at night, held workers hostage at gunpoint and stolen cattle. These incidents demonstrate a disturbing expansion of criminal activity into previously considered safe rural and semi-urban areas.

While law enforcement agencies have made some progress in recovering stolen cattle and carrying on investigations, the overall situation indicates a serious gap in preventive policing and rapid emergency response. Victims frequently report delayed action, jurisdictional confusion and inadequate patrol presence in vulnerable areas such as char regions and highway corridors.

Ashikujaman Syed

Research Associate,

Bioinformatics Research Lab

syedashikujaman@yahoo.com