What Happened During the Latest Bus Theft on the Dhaka Highway?
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Synopsis
In a disturbing trend of highway robberies in Bangladesh, a passenger bus on the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge highway was hijacked by robbers who looted belongings and molested female passengers. This incident highlights the increasing danger and law enforcement's struggle to combat such crimes.
Key Takeaways
- Highway robberies in Bangladesh are increasingly common.
- Robbers are targeting passenger buses and committing serious crimes.
- Female passengers are particularly vulnerable during these incidents.
- Law enforcement is struggling to address the rising crime wave.
- Public safety on highways is a growing concern for citizens.
Dhaka, May 21 (NationPress) In a troubling trend of highway robberies in Bangladesh, another shocking incident occurred on the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge highway when a gang of robbers commandeered a passenger bus, stealing belongings from all passengers and molesting female travelers.
The robbery transpired between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, as a group of 8-10 robbers, who had blended in as passengers, seized control of the bus with knives, machetes, and other makeshift weapons, according to local news reports.
The bus, which was carrying 45 passengers, including around 10 women, departed from Abdullahpur in Dhaka heading towards Rangpur around 8 pm on Tuesday.
Atiqur Rahman, the bus assistant, recounted the ordeal, mentioning that additional passengers boarded the bus along the way and, after a short journey, the robbers took command of the vehicle, as reported by the Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo.
During the robbery, female passengers were subjected to molestation. One passenger, Jewel Mia, corroborated the molestation incident, saying he was blindfolded but could hear the cries and pleas of the women as the robbers rifled through their belongings for money.
Reports indicate that all individuals on board, including the driver, were blindfolded by the robbers. Throughout the ordeal, the robbers searched everyone and made away with mobile phones, cash, gold, and other valuables.
The robbers drove the bus back and forth several times in the area and abandoned it in the Shibpur region of the Tangail city bypass road early Wednesday morning before making their escape.
The passengers subsequently reported the incident to the Tangail Sadar Police Station in the morning.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Tanbir Ahmed of Tangail Sadar Police Station confirmed that a case is in the works, and efforts are underway to identify the robbery gang.
This follows a series of brazen bus robberies in Bangladesh, notably last month, when thieves hijacked two moving buses on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway, stealing gold ornaments from passengers at knifepoint within just half an hour.
In another alarming incident in April, robbers targeted passengers on a moving bus in broad daylight, seizing cash, mobile phones, and gold ornaments.
Witnesses reported that the robbers forced passengers to surrender their valuables while brandishing knives before fleeing the scene.
According to the Bangladesh Highway Police headquarters, such robberies have escalated significantly since the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024.
In February 2025 alone, 74 robbery incidents were recorded, a slight increase from 71 in January.
Two separate robberies occurred on February 27 and March 1 in Chauddagram, Comilla, targeting expatriates from Malaysia and Kuwait, as reported by Prothom Alo.
These crimes are not limited to nighttime; robbers have been known to block roads with fallen trees, intercepting passenger buses even during the day.
Many organizations have voiced concerns that the uptick in robberies is a result of insufficient action and patrolling by law enforcement agencies.
Numerous robberies have taken place on highways across the country recently, with businessmen, expatriates, and everyday citizens all falling victim, leading to widespread anxiety and raising questions about the efficacy of law enforcement.
Point of View
I believe it is imperative to report on the disturbing rise in highway robberies in Bangladesh. These incidents reflect a significant threat to public safety and highlight the urgent need for enhanced law enforcement measures. We must remain vigilant and demand accountability to protect our citizens and ensure their safety on the roads.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recent incident involving bus theft in Dhaka?
A passenger bus was hijacked on the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge highway, where robbers stole belongings from passengers and assaulted female travelers.
How many passengers were on the bus during the robbery?
The bus was carrying 45 passengers, including approximately 10 women.
What actions are being taken by the police?
The Tangail Sadar Police is in the process of filing a case and is actively working to identify the gang responsible for the robbery.
Have there been other similar incidents recently?
Yes, there have been multiple bus robberies reported on highways across Bangladesh, raising concerns about public safety.
What are the possible reasons for the increase in robberies?
Many organizations suggest that the rise in highway robberies may be due to ineffective law enforcement and lack of adequate patrolling.
