ATM booth, two shops robbed in Patuakhali

A gang of armed robbers carried out a series of attacks in Patuakhali town early Saturday, targeting a Fast Track ATM booth of Dutch-Bangla Bank and two shops, leaving one security guard critically injured.

The incidents occurred between 3:30 am and 4:30 am along the Sadar Road of the district town, according to locals and police.

Around 3:30 am, a group of robbers stormed the ATM booth near Adalatpara, where they assaulted security guard Mujibur, tied him up with a blanket, and left him in a dark room. They then vandalised the ATM and took away a laptop from the office.

Around 3:50 am, the gang broke into Fashion Optical, looting merchandise, a monitor, and around Tk 200,000 in cash.

At about 4:30 am, the robbers struck Shikdar Store, breaking its lock and stealing CCTV monitors, cash from the counter, recharge cards, and various other items.

Rinku, ATM channel officer, confirmed that the security guard was injured and admitted to the hospital, while the booth’s ATM machine and office laptop were taken.

Zakir Hossain, owner of Fashion Optical, said, “I had Tk 200,000 in cash brought in on Thursday—everything was stolen. My shop is empty, I am ruined.”

Kamrul Islam, owner of Shikdar Store, said that money, recharge cards, and other goods were stolen after robbers forced their way in during Fajr prayer time.

Kamal Hossain, president of Patuakhali Chamber of Commerce, condemned the rise in robberies, urging law enforcement to take strict measures.

Md Imtiaz Ahmed, officer-in-charge (OC) of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station, said, “I visited the crime scenes. The security guard was tied up during the robbery. We have obtained CCTV footage, and investigations are underway. The culprits will be identified and brought to justice soon.”