Apprehension had gripped the public ahead of Eid, as many feared what might unfold in a deserted Dhaka.
Yet, contrary to concerns, the capital remained calm, with no significant criminal incidents reported beyond a few isolated events.
Residents have said they have never witnessed such a quiet Eid in Dhaka, free from theft, robbery, mugging, looting, or violent crimes.
The improved law and order situation allowed the city’s inhabitants to celebrate the festival in peace.
However, with many still yet to return to the city post-Eid, concerns linger that professional criminals might exploit the lull.
Locals across various neighbourhoods described this year's security arrangements as superior to any Eid in recent memory.
From shopping sprees to the journey home and the safety of homes and marketplaces, a sense of reassurance prevailed in the city.
A visit to several areas of the capital on Thursday, including Panthapath, Banglamotor, Shahbagh, Motijheel, and Mohammadpur, revealed heightened security presence.
Army and police patrol vehicles were seen throughout the city.
At around 9pm on Wednesday, a long military checkpoint was observed on the western side of the Green Road (Panthapath) intersection.
The post was flanked by a military coaster, three jeeps and three patrol vehicles, with more than fifty personnel on duty.
Similar scenes were reported elsewhere across the capital, as law enforcement agencies — including the army, police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) — worked to ensure Dhaka’s security during its brief emptiness.
According to senior police officials, the crime rate remained relatively low not only in the capital but also on highways and in major cities across the country.
Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam said that the army, police, law enforcement agencies and even consumer rights bodies worked professionally to ensure safety in homes, markets, highways and other public spaces during Eid.
“Law and order has improved across most areas. Crime has significantly declined. Public trust in the government has increased, and people are showing greater respect for the law and law enforcement. This success has been made possible through collective effort. If the public continues to stand with us, we will be able to tackle any challenge that lies ahead,” he said.
Meanwhile, during a visit to the fire-hit tourism area in Sajek on Thursday (3 April), accompanied by the BGB Baghaichhari battalion, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Choudhury said that several police stations had experienced looting after 5 August.
Many of the stolen weapons have yet to be recovered, prompting efforts to strengthen the equipment and capability of law enforcement agencies.
Earlier, while visiting various police stations in Dhaka on Wednesday as part of Eid greetings and a reunion tour, the home adviser stated, “We are reasonably satisfied with the law and order situation. But there is room for improvement. We will work together to make further progress.”
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) stated that around 15,000 officers were deployed during Eid to deter theft, mugging and robbery in the capital.
Six hundred patrol teams were active day and night, while 75 checkpoints operated daily.
Surveillance by intelligence units was also intensified. Special patrols were maintained in residential areas, shopping centres, jewellery stores, banks and financial institutions.
Alongside the police, auxiliary forces provided security at major commercial hubs.
Discussions with several police stations across the city revealed a broadly positive picture.
Officers reported a quiet Eid with minimal incidents, attributing the success to professional policing and improved morale following the turmoil within the force after 5 August.
Shahbagh Officer-in-Charge Khalid Mansur said, “There were no cases of theft, robbery or mugging in the Shahbagh area over Eid. Not a single case was filed during the Eid holidays. The public is visibly pleased with the peaceful environment.”
“We are still patrolling on motorcycles,” he added. “The joy of Eid, for us, lies in keeping the public safe.”
Even Mohammadpur — often dubbed the city’s most notorious crime hotspot — remained largely peaceful.
Mohammadpur OC Ali Iftekhar Hasan said, “There has been significant improvement in the area's law and order situation. Apart from a few minor incidents, there is little to report. There hasn’t been a single murder in the area this month.”
He added, “No society in the world is free of crime. But we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure public safety.”
