A sense of unease grips the residents of Mohammadpur as the area finds itself at the heart of a growing crime wave. The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has recently identified 13 hotspots within the locality as ‘red zones’ for mugging, shedding light on an escalating crisis that has left residents fearful and law enforcement agencies scrambling for solutions. From Dhaka Udyan to Basila Bridge and Taj Mahal Road to Japan Garden City, these areas have become dangerous terrains where criminals operate with alarming impunity. According to a senior DB official, the proliferation of teenaged gangs has exacerbated the situation, pushing criminal activities, including mugging, drug trading, and violent attacks, to intolerable levels. The lawlessness in Mohammadpur has been particularly noticeable since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year. The once-thriving neighbourhood has transformed into one of Dhaka’s most crime-infested zones, with reports of gunfire, robbery, and armed assaults becoming a daily occurrence. Such an environment has led to a heightened sense of insecurity among residents, who fear that no time of the day is truly safe. Teen Gangs The rise of teenage gang culture has emerged as a major concern for both law enforcement agencies and the local community. Authorities have identified around 100 members of such gangs operating in Mohammadpur alone. The audacity of these criminals was starkly displayed on February 6, when four police officers—three of them sub-inspectors—were severely injured during an anti-drug operation in Rayer Bazar. The attackers, armed with sharp weapons, left the officers battered, reinforcing fears about the growing brutality of teen gangs. One of the most shocking incidents occurred in late January when a video surfaced on social media showing a teenage boy wielding a machete and assaulting another in broad daylight in the Dhaka Udyan area. Special police operation to tackle growing mugging incidents The video sent shockwaves through the city, highlighting the reckless nature of these crimes and the lack of fear among perpetrators. Habibur Rahman, a long-time resident of Dhaka Udyan, believes the unchecked rise of teen gangs is the primary reason behind the surge in crimes. “These groups operate freely, and many are involved in drug peddling and violent attacks. The situation has worsened in recent months,” he said. Fear in Broad Daylight What makes the situation more alarming is that mugging and violent crimes are no longer restricted to the cover of darkness. According to an intelligence report, Dhaka currently has 432 high-risk mugging spots, with Mohammadpur alone accounting for 108 of them. Many residents report that criminals strike even during daylight hours, creating an atmosphere of perpetual anxiety. Rabiul Islam, a security guard, became one of the most high-profile victims when he was fatally stabbed by muggers in Dhaka Udyan on October 10 last year. Another gruesome attack followed on January 30 when 26-year-old Md. Sumon Sheikh had his left wrist severed during a mugging incident in the Adabor Balur Math area. Sumon was crossing the road at around 2:45 pm when the attackers pounced, leaving him critically injured. Police arrest 3 suspected mugging gang members in Dhaka's Uttarkhan Passersby rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, but the brutality of the crime left a deep scar on the community’s psyche. Authorities Respond: A Glimmer of Hope? In response to the worsening crime situation, the DB of DMP, alongside joint forces, has ramped up operations in Mohammadpur. Law enforcement agencies have arrested several gang members, while others have reportedly fled the area due to intensified crackdowns. Joint Commissioner (DB-North) of the DMP, Mohammad Rabiul Hossain Bhuiyan, acknowledged that crime in Mohammadpur had reached an intolerable level in recent months. However, he assured residents that with persistent efforts, the situation is beginning to show signs of improvement. “We have conducted repeated anti-crime operations. A large number of miscreants, including teenage gang members, have been arrested. Many others have fled the area,” he said. Despite these efforts, concerns remain. For many residents, safety still feels like a distant dream. Until criminals are fully eradicated and law enforcement establishes firm control, Mohammadpur will remain a battleground between security forces and a rising wave of organised street crime. Drive to continue till Dhaka free from mugging: DMP Commissioner For now, the residents of Mohammadpur wait—hoping for the day their neighbourhood will once again be a place of peace, rather than fear.

SM Mehedi Hasan, joint commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP-Traffic South) was suspended on Monday for his unauthorised absence at workplace since August 6 last. The Public Security Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification, signed by the division’s Senior Secretary Nasimul Goni, in this regard. According to the notification, police official Mehedi has been absent at his workplace since August 6 in 2024 without informing the relevant authorities verbally or in writing. Two OCs suspended over beating BNP leaders in Lalmonirhat As a result, he was suspended from government service under Rule 2 (f) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018. He will receive allowance in accordance with the rules, reads the notification.

The Traffic Department of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) filed 2,180 cases for traffic rule violations during a special drive conducted across the capital. During the drive 77 vehicles were dumped and 51 others were towed for obstructing traffic or failing to comply with legal requirements, said Deputy Commissioner (media) of DMP Talebur Rahman on Tuesday. DMP files 2,089 cases for traffic rules violation The drive was conducted on Monday by eight traffic divisions of the DMP to ensure traffic discipline, he said adding “Such operations will continue to ensure traffic discipline across the Dhaka metropolitan area.”      

The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) filed 3,447 cases for traffic rule violations during operations conducted in various areas of the capital in the last two days. The drives were conducted on Thursday and Friday, said Deputy Commissioner (Media) of the DMP Talebur Rahman. DMP files 2,206 cases for traffic rules violation The authorities also dumped 158 vehicles and towed away 79 others as part of the crackdown. The Traffic Division’s crackdown on traffic rule violations will continue in the coming days to maintain order on the roads, he added. DMP files 2,243 cases for traffic rules violation

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has formed a three-member investigation committee to probe the clash between police and students of Prime Asia University that took place in front of Gate No. 1 of the Bangladesh Secretariat, official sources said. They said the incident, which saw students and police engaging in a chase and counter-chase, is under investigation. The committee is tasked with determining the causes of the confrontation and will submit its report upon completion of the probe. Read: Clashes erupt between police and students at secretariat gate Students of Prime Asia University gathered at the road nearby the Jatiya Press Club on Tuesday (Jan7) to press for their nine-point demand, which included the establishment of a permanent campus and the resignation of the chairman of its trustee board. Earlier, the DMP assured that there will be a thorough investigation and urged all parties involved to cooperate with the probe.

The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has filed 1,908 cases for traffic law violation during drives conducted in different areas of the capital on Wednesday. As part of the operation, 43 vehicles were dumped, and 72 others were wrecked. The drives were carried out to ensure adherence to traffic regulation and maintain discipline on the roads. Read: DMP files 1,695 cases for traffic rules violation DMP's Traffic Division has announced that such operations will continue to uphold traffic discipline in s Dhaka Metropolitan area.

Four police officers, including former Deputy Commissioner (Mirpur Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Md. Jasim Uddin Molla, were temporarily suspended on Tuesday. The other suspended officers are: Additional Deputy Commissioner (Gulshan Division) of DMP Md. Rafiqul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (Traffic-Jatrabari Zone) of DMP Tanjil Ahmed, and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of APBN, Md. Rafiqul Islam. Writ petition seeking probe into graft allegations against 51 judges, other staff rejected The suspension orders were issued by the Police-1 section of the Public Security Division under the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Separate notifications have already been issued, signed by Senior Secretary Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen on the order of the President. According to the notification, former DC of DMP and currently attached to the Rangpur Range DIG office Md. Jasim Uddin Mollah has been charged with crimes under the International Crimes Tribunal Act and an arrest warrant has been issued. He was arrested from Rangpur on October 30. Accordingly, Md. Jasim has been suspended from government service with effect from October 30 under the provisions of Section 39(2) of the Government Services Act, 2018 (Act No. 57 of 2018). During the period of suspension, he will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per the rules. Former ADC (Gulshan Division) Md. Rafiqul Islam's notification said that he was arrested on October 18 in a case filed by Badda Police Station and sent to court. Rafiqul has been temporarily suspended from government service from October 18 as per the provisions of Section 39(2) of the Government Services Act, 2018 (Act No. 57 of 2018). During the temporary suspension, Rafiqul will be attached to the office of the Chattogram Range DIG and will receive allowance as per the rules. SC stays 7 year jail sentence of Tarique in money laundering case The notification of AC (Traffic-Jatrabari Zone)Tanjil Ahmed said that he was arrested on October 15 in a case filed with Jatrabari Police Station and sent to court. Therefore, Tanjil Ahmed has been temporarily suspended from government service from October 15 as per the provisions of Section 39(2) of the Government Services Act, 2018 (Act No. 57 of 2018), the notification said. During the period of his temporary suspension, Tanjil will be attached to the office of the Barisal Range DIG and will be entitled to get allowance as per the rules. Another notification on ASP of APBN Md. Rafiqul Islam said that he was arrested on September 13 in a case filed with Hathazari Model Police Station of Chattogram and sent to court. Rafiqul has been temporarily suspended from government service from September 13 as per the provisions of Section 39 (2) of the Government Services Act, 2018 (Act No. 57 of 2018). During the period of temporary suspension, Rafiqul Islam will be attached to the office of Mymensingh Range DIG and will be entitled to get allowance as per the rules.  

Detectives of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) in a drive arrested a suspected drug dealer with 9,900 pieces of Yaba pills worth Tk 29.7 lakh in Pragati Sarani area of Dhaka’s Baridhara on Tuesday. The arrestee was identified as Md Harun-Or-Rashid, 53. A media statement sent from Detective Branch (DB) reads the drive was conducted after being tipped-off about an illegal drug haul in the area. A DB team carried out the raid at around 5:05pm and detained Harun on suspicion, it reads. Later, 49 packets of Yaba tablets were recovered from him. However an accomplice of the arrestee managed to flee. A case was registered against Harun and the absconding Md. Monir Hossain with Bhatara Police Station under the Narcotics Control Act.  

Detectives of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested former Housing and Public Works Minister RAM Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury from Mirpur area, said police on Friday morning. The arrest was made on Thursday night, said Reazul Karim Mallik, additional police commissioner (intelligence) of the DMP. The former minister is an accused in several murder cases and he will be produced before a Dhaka court with a prayer for remand, he informed. Muktadir was elected four times from Brahmanbaria-3 seat as an Awami League candidate. He joined Bangladesh Civil Service as an admin cadre in 1983 and worked as personal assistant secretary of the then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina in 1986. 

In a cunning scam involving the lure of a fictitious US$ 5 million life insurance payout, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested an imposter who swindled over Tk 17 lakh from a victim. The New Market Police Station apprehended the suspect, Md. Aziz Molla, for orchestrating the elaborate scheme. According to the complaint filed by the victim, Md. Nuruzzaman, the fraud began on September 29, 2024, when he was contacted via Facebook by someone using the name "Anna Harrison." This individual directed him to a WhatsApp number, where the scam unfolded. The fraudster convinced Nuruzzaman that a Bangladeshi-origin man named Mohammad Belton had died while working in the United States, leaving behind $5 million in a US bank account. The scammer instructed Nuruzzaman to pose as the deceased's relative in order to claim the life insurance payout. Nuruzzaman was also provided with another WhatsApp number, supposedly belonging to the bank’s manager, and was asked to send a prepared message. The fraud continued when "Anna Harrison" gave Nuruzzaman the contact details of a supposed legal advisor who demanded $76,000 in fees to process the insurance claim. Harrison even sent a fake payment slip to make the transaction seem legitimate. Jashoreshwari Kali Mandir: Case filed over theft of crown gifted by Modi, 4 arrested The fraud escalated further when Nuruzzaman was told that the bank had transferred the $5 million to Bangladesh, packed into two suitcases, and provided a video as "proof." To release the funds, Nuruzzaman was asked to pay Tk 185,000 to cover insurance and delivery fees, which he deposited into an account as instructed. On October 3, Nuruzzaman received a call from an individual claiming to be a customs official at Dhaka airport. The caller informed him that the suitcases were being held by customs and demanded Tk 407,000 for their release, which Nuruzzaman promptly paid. He was later asked to pay an additional Tk 11.75 lakh for taxes and customs duties, which he again transferred to another account. Despite paying these amounts, the fraudsters continued to demand more money, requesting an additional Tk 10.5 lakh. This raised suspicions, leading Nuruzzaman to contact the actual airport customs office, where he learned the entire operation was a scam. In total, Nuruzzaman was defrauded of Tk 17.7 lakh. After realizing the deception, he filed a case with New Market Police Station on October 12, 2024, against several unidentified individuals. Through digital forensics and assistance from Khilgaon Police, law enforcement tracked down and arrested Md. Aziz Molla from a model agency office in Dhaka’s Banasree area on October 13. Police seized nine checkbooks from different banks, three ATM cards, two Visa cards, and two mobile phones used in the fraudulent activities. During preliminary interrogation, Aziz Molla confessed to his involvement in the scam. Police are continuing their investigation and working to apprehend other members of the organized fraud ring.