We are concerned about the increase in robberies and muggings on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway over the last six months or so. According to a report by Prothom Alo citing frequent travellers of this route, there have been more than 100 incidents of robberies and muggings at different spots of the 462-kilometre highway during this period.

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The constant terror of road crashes

Accounts from victims, police officers, and bus and private car drivers suggest that such criminal activities have noticeably gone up, even though the number of robbery cases filed with police stations along the route may not reflect it. Prothom Alo found only 19 related cases filed with three police stations in Narayanganj, one of the districts connecting this important highway. Per these cases, the frequency of mugging and robbery is high in at least 17 spots of the district. Cumilla and Chattogram also have several highly mugging-prone spots. However, victims often don't want to file cases because police cannot generally recover stolen valuables. Instead, many end up being harassed and having to go through trial-related hassles. In most cases, however, police only file a general diary.

In recent times, expatriate Bangladeshis have been frequently targeted by muggers and robbers, who often commit the crime when vehicles slow down or get stuck in one place for too long because of traffic, which is a regular phenomenon in the Narayanganj section of the highway. According to police, people don't want to file cases of highway robberies as they tend to move to a safer place quickly afterwards. Even when they do report and police arrest the perpetrators, the latter manage to get bail and resume their criminal activities.

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Take action to stop RMG cargo theft

Our highways are already notorious for the high number of road crashes that occur there. Added to that is the menace of robbery and mugging, not to mention rampant extortion. These crimes don't just affect individuals; cargo vehicles have also come under attack. We, therefore, urge the authorities to take effective measures to make our highways safe. Increasing patrols, raising awareness, and addressing the reasons behind long gridlocks on the highways are some of the measures that can be employed. On the legal front, making reporting of highway crimes easy and ensuring that perpetrators cannot go scot-free after arrests will also help reduce the incidence of mugging and robbery. Transport associations should also cooperate with the authorities to prevent highway criminal gangs. Passengers should be able to travel without the fear of losing their lives and possessions.