Chittagong: An insecured city in the dark

Chittagong is a bustling city during daytime but fear spreads as night falls with residents anticipating violence that has been part of a transport blockade and shutdowns enforced by the BNP-led alliance, reports bdnews24.com.

Subrata Dhar Mithu, a resident of the city's Chandgaon area, told news agency, "When evening sets in, we feel frightened."

"We feel frightened to move around after dark due to the blasts, firebombing and arson attacks on vehicles."  

Most residents scurry around through the day to finish their daily work so that they can move to the safety of their homes by evening. But that is not always possible.

Afrina Nazneen, a housewife from the port city's Kushumbagh area, said, "We feel anxious every time we step out, fearing untoward incidents."

"The fear increases after dark. Someone or the other of the family has to step out after sunset for some reason. We keep worrying until they return."

Chittagong Metropolitan Police's Commissioner Jalil Mandal said, "Terrorists chose to strike mainly between 7pm and 10pm."

Assistant Commissioner Shah Mohammad Abdur Rouf told news agency: "In the dark, criminals can emerge from small roads and alleys and carry out sudden attacks that are not possible during the day