Fears of snatching stalk city dwellers

A growing number of snatching and robbery incidents in the capital in recent days has heightened fears among residents, with people falling victim to such crimes even in broad daylight.

Although law enforcement agencies have arrested suspects in one incident after another, snatching and robbery have continued unabated. Victims allege that shortcomings by law enforcement have emboldened criminals, arguing that not only those directly involved but also the masterminds behind such crimes must be brought to justice to curb the trend.

Responding to concerns raised by lawmakers over the law and order situation on August 27, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that the overall situation in the country had visibly improved as law enforcement agencies were able to quickly arrest offenders and bring them under the law.

He also said that police and other law enforcement agencies had been able to swiftly arrest criminals following the commission of offences, while prompt action had also been taken in cases that created widespread public concern.


On the same day, another alleged snatcher, Md Jony, 35, was killed after being stabbed by a fellow snatcher in Kadamtali, according to local police.

Such brazen activities by professional criminals, including killings and snatching, are increasing a sense of insecurity and fear in city life. Many residents now say they feel anxious while travelling on roads and streets.

According to Police Headquarters data, 1,067 snatching incidents were recorded across the country over the past seven months. There were 163 incidents in January, 134 in February, 142 in March, 152 in April, 167 in May, 149 in June and 160 in July. It can be seen here that after January, February saw a decrease. But from February to May, robberies increased. They decreased in June and then increased again in July.

Meanwhile, 178 cases of robbery or snatching were filed at 50 police stations in the capital during the same seven-month period. Of these, 29 were filed in January, 22 in February, 25 each in March and April, 33 in May, 24 in June and 20 in July. August statistics have not yet been included.

However, concerned sources believe incidents of snatching and robbery may have increased compared with the previous month. Crime experts say police case statistics alone cannot reveal the actual scale of snatching in the capital, as many victims do not report incidents or file cases unless they suffer serious injuries or significant financial losses, fearing the hassles involved.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations Division) Aktar Hossain told The Daily Observer that police were working relentlessly to curb crime. Patrols have been intensified at every police station, intelligence personnel were gathering information on criminals, and operations were being conducted in different areas to arrest identified offenders and locally named suspects.

According to DMP, police stations, the Detective Branch, CTTC, Cyber Crime and other DMP units conduct regular drives against criminals across the capital. However, crime has not declined accordingly.

Dr Omar Faruk, a crime expert and Professor of Criminology and Police Science at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, told The Daily Observer that the rise in serious crimes such as snatching and killings remained a matter of concern despite various efforts by law enforcement agencies.

"Economic pressure, heavy population density, slums and certain crime-prone areas, inadequate monitoring of professional criminals, easy and quick bail for offenders, and limitations in the capacity and efficiency of law enforcement agencies are major factors behind the growing crimes," he said.

"Criminals are being arrested on one hand and released on bail on the other," he added, stressing the need for deeper coordination between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary regarding the arrest and bail of professional criminals.