SONARGAON, NARAYANGANJ, Mar 26: Residents of Sonargaon are increasingly alarmed over a surge in violent crimes, including murders, robberies, snatchings, and sexual assaults, that have rocked the area over the past six months.
Locals say the deteriorating law and order situation has created widespread fear, prompting urgent calls for effective policing.
According to officials and local sources, between October last year and March this year, Sonargaon witnessed nine murders, six robberies, 13 snatching incidents, two rapes, and one attempted rape. Residents say the lack of drug control operations has emboldened dealers and users, fueling youth gang activities and criminal behaviour.
Notable murders include the October 14 killing of restaurant worker Saima Akter, whose body was found wrapped in a sack in Kaikartek area. On November 28, Rizwan, an auto-rickshaw driver from Noagaon Union, was found dead, along with another unidentified youth. On December 28, a youth named Omar was recovered from the Brahmaputra River in Ekrampur, Shambhupura Union.
On January 20, disabled auto-rickshaw driver Sohel Rana was found dead in Muschar Char, Jampur Union. On January 30, another unidentified youth's body was discovered in Majhipara, Mograpara Union, followed by a youth recovered from Pakunda area along the Asian Highway on February 16.
On February 15, Naeem was lured by phone and killed over a loan dispute in Noagaon Union's Parameshwardi area, prompting his brother to file a murder case. On March 1, skeletal remains of a teenager were found in Kanchpur Southpara area, believed to have been murdered two months earlier.
Robberies and snatchings have also surged. Both urban and rural areas, as well as the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway and Asian Highway, have become crime hotspots. On December 24, three separate robberies occurred along the highway near Pirojpur Union Parishad, Noagaon, and Ashadiarchor areas, targeting BNP leaders and leaving at least five injured. Another convoy of BNP leaders was attacked the same night, and Qatar-based expatriate Rifatuzzaman was victimised at dawn.
Other incidents include the November 26 robbery at Uttma Bridge on the Asian Highway, looting over Tk 300,000; December 21, Saudi expatriate Liton Mia lost nearly Tk 500,000 in gold, cash, and mobile phones; February 5, a truck carrying rice was hijacked at Darrikandi; and February 11, Sajib Mia's house in Hatkopa was raided, with property worth Tk 2.2 million stolen. Police reportedly refused to file a case in this last incident.
Snatchings have also increased, with six incidents along the Asian Highway from Pakunda to Bostol, and seven targeting passenger and cargo vehicles from Meghna Toll Plaza to Kanchpur.
The most recent, on March 5, involved a youth named Antar, who was beaten and robbed at Mograpara Chourasta.
Sexual assaults have drawn concern as well. On November 28, a beggar woman in Chengain, Kanchpur Union, was nearly raped. On March 2, a female university student in Kutubpur, Kanchpur Union, was raped; locals captured the accused, Rehmat, and handed him to police.
Residents and civic leaders have criticised the police for failing to curb the drug trade, which they say has worsened crime.
Sonargaon MP Azharul Islam Mannan said, drugs have spread to every corner of the upazila, calling the police role questionable. He directed the authorities to immediately compile a list of drug users and dealers and take swift action to eliminate drugs.
The string of crimes has shocked residents and highlighted serious lapses in law enforcement. Citizens are calling for active policing and prompt measures to restore order.
Mizanur Rahman Mamun, General Secretary of SUJON Sonargaon, warned that police inactivity could trigger vigilante threats and further instability.
Officer-in-Charge of Sonargaon Police Station Md. Mohibbullah defended the force, saying, "There is no need for concern. Police respond immediately, cases are being filed, and the situation is under control. Citizens are encouraged to report concerns directly to the station."
Additional measures were confirmed by Narayanganj Additional SP (Crime & Operations) Tarek Al Mehedi.
