Highway robbers on the prowl

Highways in Bangladesh, once considered lifelines of connectivity and economic activity, are increasingly turning into zones of fear. A disturbing surge in highway robberies has gripped the nation, shaking public confidence in law enforcement. In the last couple of weeks, several sensational robbery cases made newspaper headlines, pointing to a brewing crisis. The brutality and coordination of these crimes suggest a well-organised network of criminals are exploiting the weaknesses in the highway security management.

Reports suggest that on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway alone, more than 15 robberies occur every month. Cumilla and Chattogram have also emerged as hotspots for such crimes. The pattern of these incidents reveals that certain areas have become particularly vulnerable to highway robberies, yet effective measures to curb the menace are lacking.

Just a week ago, a Rajshahi-bound bus was hijacked near Mirzapur in Tangail district. The robbers, who had initially boarded as passengers, seized control of the vehicle and unleashed terror on its occupants. Passengers were brutally assaulted, and two female passengers were reportedly subjected to sexual harassment. The robbers looted all valuables, leaving behind traumatised victims.

A similar incident unfolded in Patnitala, Naogaon, where a group of robbers blocked a highway with logs and attacked a BRTC bus and a microbus. Armed with weapons, they shattered bus windows, beat up passengers, and snatched money, mobile phones, and jewelry worth Tk 3 lakh. The way these crimes is being committed indicates that the perpetrators are not mere opportunists but rather part of a well-coordinated network.

One of such incidents involved a group of miscreants, dressed in the uniform of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), who intercepted a Badda bound bus inside the city in December last. Posing as law enforcement officers, they forced a trader off the vehicle and looted TK 2.4 million from him. This calculated robbery shows the audacity of the criminals and raises serious questions about security measures.

One of them was wearing a RAB-branded jacket and had handcuffs and a wireless set in his possession.

These incidents have left passengers terrified and reluctant to travel long distances at during night. Many victims choose not to file complaints, fearing further harassment or because they lack faith in the police's ability to recover their stolen belongings. The overall situation has only emboldened criminals, making highways increasingly lawless zones.

Despite the existence of a dedicated Highway Police unit, which was established to ensure safety on national roads, their effectiveness remains questionable. There are widespread allegations that the police are either failing to prevent such crimes or are showing reluctance in registering complaints when victims approach them. Many passengers claim that when they report incidents, police officers often cite lack of resources or procedural complexities as excuses for inaction.

Several factors have contributed to the rise in highway robberies:

1. Inadequate police patrolling. Highway police presence is often minimal, especially at night, allowing criminals to operate without fear of immediate intervention.
2. Collusion between criminals and bus staff. In some cases, bus staff have been accused of collaborating with robbers by allowing them to board or slowing down in pre-arranged spots.
3. Lack of surveillance: Many highways lack proper CCTV monitoring, making it difficult to track criminals after a robbery.
4. Weak law enforcement response. A culture of negligence and inefficiency in investigating such crimes has allowed robber gangs to thrive.

To restore public confidence and ensure highway safety, the government and law enforcement agencies must take urgent steps, which onclude:

1. Increased police patrols. Highway police should intensify their presence, particularly in high-risk areas, with round-the-clock surveillance and random checks.
2. GPS and CCTV monitoring. Installing CCTV cameras at major checkpoints and mandating GPS tracking in buses and trucks can help monitor and prevent criminal activities.
3. Strict action against negligence. Police officers who fail to respond effectively to robbery cases should be held accountable. Victims should be encouraged to report crimes without fear of harassment.
4. Special anti-robbery task force. Given the rise in incidents, a dedicated anti-robbery unit should be formed to investigate and dismantle organized gangs.
5. Passenger awareness campaigns. Bus operators should train their staff to detect suspicious activities, and passengers should be educated in safety measures.

Poverty, unemployment, and a lack of education have driven some individuals to crime, while weak law enforcement and corruption have allowed these activities to flourish. Many criminals operate with impunity, knowing that the chances of being caught and punished are slim.

The impact of highway robbery extends beyond the immediate victims. Businesses relying on transportation face increased costs due to delays and the need for additional security measures. Tourists and investors, wary of the law-and-order situation, may think twice before visiting or investing in the country. This undermines Bangladesh's efforts to position itself as a growing economic power in South Asia.

Long-term solutions must address the socio-economic factors driving individuals to crime. Investment in education, vocational training, and job creation can provide alternative livelihoods for potential offenders.

Finally, the judiciary must ensure that those involved in highway robbery face swift and stringent punishment. This will not only deliver justice to victims but also serve as a deterrent to others.

Highway robberies are not just criminal incidents; they represent a breakdown of law and order that threatens national security and economic stability. If unchecked, they will continue to erode public confidence in the government's ability to maintain safety. The authorities must act swiftly, ensuring that law enforcement agencies fulfill their duty to protect citizens.

Highway robbery is a stain on Bangladesh's progress, but it is not insurmountable. With political will, effective governance, and collective effort, the country can reclaim its highways as safe and secure corridors for all.

It is time to act, before this menace spirals further out of control. Otherwise, Bangladesh's highways will remain corridors of fear rather than routes of progress.

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