Residents of the capital Dhaka faced a night filled with anxiety as the city was gripped by a wave of robbery threats.
Vigilant citizens, forming local patrols, detained several armed individuals and handed them over to the army on Wednesday (7 August).
Throughout the night, efforts to thwart robberies continued with area-based patrols, and public announcements were made to alert residents.
Determined to escape such distressing circumstances, the city's inhabitants have called for immediate and effective measures to improve law and order.
Residents of the ECB area captured several individuals attempting to commit a robbery and subsequently handed them over to an army patrol team.
Similar scenes were witnessed in the Basila area, where local students and residents apprehended a group of teenagers armed with sharp weapons.
The situation was comparable in other parts of the capital, including Mohammadpur, Adabor, Uttara, and Mirpur, where incidents of attempted robberies involving firearms were reported.
An on-the-ground survey of various areas in Dhaka revealed that community patrols, composed of individuals of all ages, were active throughout the night.
Suspicious activities prompted immediate searches, and not only pedestrians but also vehicles on the road were subject to scrutiny. Locals stated that these patrols were organised for their own safety.
In many areas, women joined the men in these overnight patrols, demonstrating a collective resolve to ensure the safety of their communities.
However, the residents of Dhaka expressed a strong desire to end this unsettling situation. They emphasised the urgent need for the police to resume their duties and manage the evolving situation effectively.
Until regular police patrols commence, student and community patrols will continue in the affected areas.
