Ensure public safety

Mugging is suddenly increasing in various parts of the country, spreading fear among the public. Over the past two days, reports from various media outlets indicate that the fear of mugging intensifies as night falls. Incidents of robbery are occurring even in broad daylight. Particularly in Dhaka, there is a surge in such crimes, with a series of robberies reported in the Mohammadpur area.

According to media reports, incidents range from battery-run rickshaws to cash theft from private companies, with muggers stopping pedestrians and rickshaw passengers to steal. Additionally, valuables such as mobile phones, bags, and laptops are being snatched from passengers on public transport. The robbers are using local weapons. The occurrence of open robbery of rickshaws and armed thefts from vehicles carrying money for various private institutions is further escalating concerns.

According to available information, there are frequent incidents of fatal robberies as well. Additionally, hundreds of people are being injured at the hands of robbers. Police sources indicate that there are over 10,000 muggers and bandits in the country, with a higher concentration in Dhaka and Chattogram.

The question arises: why has the number of robbers suddenly increased? One answer is that the law and order situation in the country is still chaotic. Although the army is deployed, their effectiveness has been limited. Even with the army stationed in Mohammadpur to curb robberies, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Ziaul Haque of Tejgaon Zone has stated that the army has "failed" to prevent these crimes.

In an interview with the media, he acknowledged his own shortcomings and sought cooperation from students and the public. While public awareness and student involvement in preventing robberies are indeed crucial, the question remains: is it really the responsibility of students and the public? If they get injured while trying to combat robbers, who will take responsibility for that? How will they confront armed robbers?

The second reason for the sudden increase in robberies is the rampant unemployment and the abnormal rise in commodity prices. Many people are struggling to meet their daily needs, living on the brink of survival. While some try to downplay this issue, attributing the rise in robberies to political changes, it cannot be denied that the political upheaval has created an uncertain environment in the country. Many are unsure about the future, leading to hesitation in making investments and causing businesses to scale back operations.
This situation has also resulted in seasonal unemployment. However, controlling this problem cannot solely rely on the strength of law enforcement agencies.

To address these issues, it is essential to improve the overall economic and political environment of the country. We strongly urge the government to take decisive action to stop mugging and restore normalcy. We demand that the current government, along with all political parties in the country, take necessary measures to stabilize the situation as soon as possible. Otherwise, we face a significant threat to our collective safety.