The police department in the capital city recently made a breakthrough in curbing a surge in robbery incidents involving a highly organized gang. Eight active members of the gang were successfully apprehended by the authorities at the DMPI New Market Police Station. Among the arrested individuals were Mo. Al Amin Hawladar, Mo. Omar Faruq, Mo. Faruk Bepari, Mo. Shahidul Islam Sheikh, Mo. Manik, Jahirul Islam Jahir, Al-Amin Ahmed, and Mo. Barek.
The operation led to the recovery of a microbus, RAB jackets, handcuffs, walkie-talkies, batons, cash amounting to 30,000 taka, a mobile phone, and various incriminating materials utilized in their criminal activities. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Media and Public Relations Division at DMPI, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, confirmed the arrests on Saturday, March 8th.
### Arrests and Modus Operandi
One victim, Mr. Faruk Mia, aged 55, arrived at Dhaka Airport from Dubai on the night of February 18th. Upon landing, he hired a private car to take him home, carrying valuables such as gold jewelry, smartphones, a laptop, an iPad, an Apple Watch, blankets, and other items totaling an estimated value of 19,70,000 taka. However, he was followed by a gang member driving a black Noah car upon reaching Hatirpool Road near his residence in New Market. Faruk Mia was then forced into the vehicle, and the gang proceeded to commit physical assault, instill fear, and issue threats of bodily harm.
Subsequently, the victim was robbed of his belongings and abandoned in the Hatirjheel area after being subjected to further harassment. Mr. Faruk Mia reported the incident to the DMPI New Market Police Station, leading to an investigation into the matter. Surveillance footage analysis, intelligence, and technological assistance eventually led to the arrest of Jahirul Islam Jahir on February 23rd at Elephant Road Bata Signal intersection.
Based on information obtained, Al Amin Hawladar was apprehended on February 28th in the Kachipara village near Boufoll Police Station in Patuakhali district, while Omar Faruq was captured at the Tol Plaza near the Kotoali Model Police Station in Barisal Metropolitan Police. The subsequent interrogation of Al Amin and Omar led to the arrest of Faruk Bepari and Shahidul Islam Sheikh with the assistance of the Ramna Police Station in Dhaka on March 2nd.
### Extensive Criminal Network
Further investigations revealed that the apprehended individuals were active members of an organized criminal gang specializing in targeting incoming air passengers carrying valuable items. They would monitor and trail travelers from the airport, intercept them at convenient locations, and execute a well-coordinated robbery operation using fake law enforcement outfits to gain the victims’ trust. This criminal network is believed to have orchestrated around 12-13 robbery incidents across various neighborhoods in the capital city.
A review of official records indicated that Mo. Omar Faruq faced charges related to theft and robbery in several police stations, Mo. Faruk Bepari had cases involving assault and robbery, Mo. Shahidul Islam Sheikh was linked to arms offenses and robbery, Mo. Manik faced allegations of theft, extortion, robbery, and drug-related offenses, Jahirul Islam Jahir was involved in weapons violations and robbery, Al-Amin Ahmed had charges of theft, robbery, and drug-related crimes, and Mo. Barek was accused of theft, robbery, assault, and arms offenses in a total of 14 cases.
The apprehended individuals are currently undergoing legal proceedings as part of the law enforcement efforts to thoroughly investigate the case, recover any stolen property, and capture other members of the robbery gang.
The law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their campaign to dismantle this criminal syndicate and bring all perpetrators to justice.
The article was published in Bangladeshi local time: 17:58, March 8, 2025.
