A surge in organized robberies has been reported along the Sitakunda section of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, with incidents occurring almost nightly. Criminals have been throwing heavy objects at moving vehicles to force them to stop before robbing passengers of cash, phones, and jewelry. On May 8, robbers attempted to attack a police microbus in Bhatiari but one suspect was caught. The following night, a microbus carrying Hindu wedding guests was looted at gunpoint in Nunachhara.

Local residents and travelers allege that insufficient night patrols have emboldened the gangs, turning several highway stretches—including Nunachhara, Kumira, and Faujdarhat—into danger zones. Transport operators warn that continued insecurity could disrupt trade and logistics linked to Chattogram port, posing risks to the national economy.

Police officials said investigations are underway and patrols have been intensified. The Sitakunda Upazila administration pledged to monitor high-risk areas and take strict action against robbery and extortion, especially ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival.