We are concerned about the challenges Highway Police have been facing in performing their duties. Reportedly, this special unit of the police—established nearly two decades ago to ensure public safety on the highways—is struggling to prevent frequent robberies and other crimes due to insufficient manpower, inadequate logistical support, and the absence of a modern, technology-driven policing system. Headquartered in a rented house in Uttara, it faces an acute shortage of personnel and vehicles, making highway patrolling difficult. Without such basic support, how are they expected to prevent crimes?

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Make highways safe for passengers

Over the past few months, highway robberies have increased alarmingly, with armed gangs frequently ambushing buses, trucks, and private vehicles, especially at night. Regional roads have become particularly vulnerable after dark, with returning expatriates, businessmen, and goods-laden trucks being the most frequent targets of these criminal gangs. According to data from the Police Headquarters, 171 robbery cases were recorded in January and 153 in February, marking a significant rise from this period last year. For instance, on February 17, there was a major incident in which a gang hijacked a bus near Mirzapur, Tangail, assaulting passengers and looting valuables. On February 21, armed criminals robbed passengers and drivers on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway. Many similar incidents have been reported in the media of late. Unfortunately, the Highway Police failed to play the role expected of them in preventing such incidents.

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Dhaka-Mymensingh highway blocked protesting surge in robberies

The Highway Police has an estimated 90 vehicles and around 3,000 personnel to cover over 3,000 kilometres of highways across Bangladesh, while they actually need at least 250 vehicles and 6,000 officers. Many police stations or outposts do not even have a single patrol vehicle, forcing officers to patrol on foot or in rented vehicles. Moreover, a shortage of arms and ammunition has further weakened them. Additionally, the force's wireless communication system has a range of just two kilometres, severely hindering coordination among units. These are some of the major challenges facing officers and contributing to the deteriorating safety situation on the highways.

We, therefore, urge the government to strengthen this unit by addressing all the challenges urgently so that they can do their job properly. The recent incidents of robberies have left citizens extremely worried. Only a well-organised and properly equipped police force can ensure the safety of our highways.