The Dhaka-Chittagong highway has once again become a hotspot for robberies, with a series of violent attacks on expatriates and ordinary commuters in recent days. In just 48 hours, three robberies have taken place in the Comilla section of the highway, under the watch of both Chauddagram and Sadar Dakshin police stations. Despite an increase in police surveillance, the robbers continue to operate with impunity, creating a climate of fear among passengers and drivers.
The primary target of the criminals’ remains expatriates returning home, followed by motorcyclists and ordinary car owners. Witnesses have reported that the robbers stop vehicles at gunpoint, take hostages, and loot them of cash, gold, phones, and other valuables.
In one incident on March 1, Malaysian expatriate Belal Hossain was robbed after his private car was hit by a pickup van in the Falgunkara area of the highway, just 500 yards from the Chauddagram police station. Hossain’s possessions, including mobile phones, gold, and cash, were stolen by a gang of robbers.
The robberies follow a disturbing pattern that has been escalating since August 5. The situation has become so dire that victims, particularly expatriates, are reluctant to report the crimes, fearing backlash or further harm. Even when cases are filed, some of the culprits are quickly released on bail and resume their criminal activities.
In another robbery on February 27, Kuwaiti expatriate Naimul Islam, returning home from Chittagong, was targeted by the same gang. The criminals took everything from him in a similar attack.
Furthermore, a separate robbery incident occurred on the night of February 8 at Preeti Jewelers in Miarbazar Mosque Market in Chauddagram, where a gang of robbers looted 25 bahris of gold at gunpoint, injuring a businessman in the process.
Despite recent arrests, including that of Anand (18) for robbing a motorcycle in Daudkandi, the police have yet to stem the rising tide of robberies. The authorities have been accused of negligence and a lack of effective action in tackling the crisis, which continues to terrorize commuters on this crucial highway.
Expatriate Belal Hossain shared his experience, explaining how he had returned to Bangladesh after three years to celebrate Eid with his family. He described how, after being trapped in traffic in Daudkandi, he and his relatives were attacked in Falgunkara. The gang, armed with sharp weapons and guns, stole all his valuables, leaving him destitute.
The growing number of highway robberies has sparked concern among the public, who are demanding immediate action from law enforcement to end the reign of terror on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway.
From Daily Wage Laborer to Fearsome Robber: The Rise of Sardar Alamgir and the Growing Crime Wave on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway. The robberies and snatching are on the rise amid police efforts to halt criminal activity. The Dhaka-Chittagong highway continues to be plagued by a surge in robberies, with criminals operating with alarming frequency, especially targeting expatriates and ordinary commuters. One name has been at the center of many of these heinous acts: Sardar Alamgir, a former daily wage laborer turned notorious robber. His transformation from a simple laborer to one of the most feared criminals on the highway highlights a disturbing trend of rising crime in the region.
The latest robbery incident took place on March 1, when Kuwaiti expatriate Naimul Islam, returning after 19 months from Kuwait, was ambushed by a gang of 8-10 masked robbers in the Falgunkara Mazar area of Chauddagram upazila. The robbers, armed with sharp weapons, attacked his microbus, vandalized the vehicle, and held the passengers hostage at gunpoint. They looted valuable goods, including cartons of items brought from abroad, gold bars, cash, and 200 Kuwaiti dinars. The incident has raised questions about the safety of expatriates returning home and the increasing boldness of criminal gangs on the highway.
The rise in robberies and snatching incidents on this vital route has been linked to the growing number of criminals, some of whom have no prior criminal history. Sardar Alamgir, once a daily wage laborer, is believed to have joined a gang of robbers that preys on expatriates returning home. Local sources indicate that robberies have been especially rampant in the areas surrounding Chauddagram, with incidents occurring both day and night. The robbers have become more strategic, often targeting vehicles during traffic jams or at isolated spots on the highway.
In one particularly disturbing incident on Thursday, February 27, a bank officer named Mohiuddin was run over by robbers in the Comilla Sadar Dakshin area after they stole his motorcycle. Mohiuddin was severely injured, with both his legs broken. The robbers used a pickup van to deliberately hit his motorcycle, and when he fell to the ground, they stole his vehicle, leaving him helpless.
Drivers and passengers alike are growing increasingly fearful of traveling on the highway at night, with many victims reluctant to report the crimes, fearing further victimization or legal complications. Shahin, the younger brother of Mohiuddin, shared his frustration, pointing out how drivers are often framed as criminals while the actual robbers remain free.
Local residents have expressed concern over the continuous threat posed by these gangs. Md. Sagar Majumdar, a resident of North Rampur, stated that robberies and snatchings have become a constant issue, particularly between Pallibidyut U-turn and the upazila U-turn, where crimes occur both during the day and at night.
In response, the Comilla police have ramped up their efforts to combat the growing crime wave. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chauddagram Police Station, Mohammad Hilal Uddin Ahmed, confirmed that a suspect, Jabed Khan, was taken into custody for questioning related to the robbery incident involving Naimul Islam. Police Superintendent Khairul Alam stated that multiple teams are working tirelessly to track down the members of the robbery gang. Highway police have increased their presence, with 22 teams working during the day and 23 teams deployed at night.
Despite these efforts, the rise in highway robberies continues to pose a serious challenge to law enforcement. The increasing boldness of the robbers and the complex nature of the crimes have made it difficult for authorities to put an end to the reign of terror on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway.
As the highway remains a dangerous route for both local and expatriate travelers, the question remains: will authorities be able to crack down on these criminal gangs, or will the highway continue to be a breeding ground for fear and lawlessness?
