Alarming rise in mugging

The recent surge in mugging incidents across various areas in Dhaka has raised significant public concern about the law and order situation in the country. This alarming trend has created a climate of fear and insecurity among city dwellers, particularly those who commute during the early or late hours of the day.
Several news reports and personal accounts highlight how muggers often operate in groups, targeting pedestrians, rickshaw passengers, and even vehicles stuck in traffic. Areas such as Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Mohammadpur, Farmgate, and Old Dhaka have become hotspots for these criminal activities. Victims not only lose their valuables but are also often subjected to physical harm, further intensifying their trauma.
In a recent interview, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner, Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali, acknowledged the growing number of mugging incidents in the city. He urged city dwellers to safeguard personal items such as wallets and mobile phones to assist the police in their efforts. He also mentioned that extensive measures have been taken by the police to curb robbery incidents in the city.
However, the lack of adequate street lighting and insufficient police patrolling on congested roads, particularly in areas like Farmgate, create opportunities for muggers to carry out their criminal activities unchecked. Additionally, the economic challenges faced by many people may be contributing to desperation driving them to commit crimes. In most cases, boys aged 15 to 22 are found involved in these crimes.
Although the authorities have stated that the number of such incidents has started to decline, the question remains whether these crimes can truly be eradicated without a strong socio-economic transformation in the country.
It is essential to recognise that criminal activities such as mugging and robbery not only threaten individual safety but also tarnish the image of the country. A coordinated effort from law enforcement, local government, pressure groups, and citizens is imperative to curb this menace.
Samwat Naiear
Farmgate
[email protected]