by Muntakim Saad & Dipan Nandy in The Daily Star, July 4, 2023
On average, at least one mugging incident takes place every two days in the capital, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. The data was compiled based on reported cases during the first three months of the year.
However, the actual number is believed to be higher than what is reported, as many victims choose not to report the crimes to the police due to concerns of harassment.
Besides, some officers at police stations encourage victims to file general diaries instead of formal cases, resulting in an underrepresentation of mugging incidents in official police data.
They do this to reduce pressure of investigation and paperwork, said officials seeking anonymity.
Officials said criminals are most active from midnight to dawn. To combat this, police have increased their patrols and established check-points during these hours.
In 2022, at least 1,603 incidents of thefts, 145 mugging and 27 robberies took place in the capital. And till March of this year, 192 thefts, 34 mugging and two robberies took place in Dhaka.
However, these correspondents did not find police presence at many check points after midnight.
Over the past two days, the DMP arrested 145 suspected snatchers, muggers, and robbers from various locations in the capital. Besides, 1,764 people were arrested before Eid, according to DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Khandaker Mahid Uddin.
Dhaka streets were relatively deserted during the four days of Eid vacation. Muggers, robbers and thieves utilised this opportunity to the fullest, said police sources.
“We have to understand one thing — one should safeguard their own belongings. The state certainly has the responsibility of security. But if someone talks on the mobile phone while walking… or talk in the car while keeping the window open, a thief will take advantage of the situation, steal the phone, and flee,” Khandaker Mahid added.
Muggers attacked and stabbed police constable Moniruzzaman Talukder in the Farmgate area before early Saturday when he returned to the capital from his village in Sherpur after the Eid vacation.
Earlier on Thursday night, a journalist of a private television Rakibul Hasan Rana (30) was stabbed by muggers in front of BTV office in Rampura. He is now receiving treatment at National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedlc Rehabilitation.
Mahid said they conduct drives during occasions like the Eid. This time, it was no exception, but yet such incidents took place.
“There is no such thing as ‘absolute’ security,” he added.
He said they arrested three muggers involved with the killing of the police constable while they have identified the criminals who stabbed and mugged the journalist.
The official said police are deeply concerned about these two incidents. The DMP commissioner has given necessary directions to the DC and OCs of all police stations to prevent recurrence of such incidents, he added.
He also said in the areas of Dhaka where the incidents took place, it is being investigated whether there was negligence on the part of the police personnel in charge.
According to DMP, more than 6,000 people are involved in mugging and robberies in the capital. Among them, 1,737 people are involved in mugging and 4,461 people are involved in robbery.
In 2022, at least 1,603 thefts, 145 mugging and 27 robberies took place in the capital. And till March of this year, 192 thefts, 34 mugging and two robberies took place in Dhaka, DMP data shows.
Instances of mugging and robberies are highest in Tejgaon, the data added.
SITUATIONS AT VARIOUS CHECK-POSTS
In an effort to observe the security measures in Dhaka during the late hours, one of these correspondents visited seven police check posts between 12:30am and 2:30am on Sunday.
The correspondent first visited the Manik Mia Avenue area, where four check posts were strategically placed. However, only one check post had active police officers on duty, and the correspondent’s vehicle passed through without being stopped. The other check posts were unattended.
Continuing the journey, the correspondent’s vehicle was halted by the police before reaching the Gulshan-1 intersection. After verifying the correspondent’s identity, they were allowed to proceed.
Another check post was observed opposite the Police Plaza, but once again, the correspondent’s vehicle was not stopped.
At the Dayaganj intersection, where a check post was located, there was no police presence.
Finally, at 2:30am, the correspondent reached Dinanath Sen Road, where a police patrol team questioned him before allowing to continue.
Residents, such as Habibur Rahman from Dhanmondi, have also noticed heightened security measures at various locations, including Farmgate Ananda Cinema Hall, Panthapath signal, Square Hospital, Russell Square, and Metro Shopping Mall areas.
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/dmp-special-drive-stop-mugging-cops-no-show-many-check-points-after-midnight-3360496
