A surge in organized robberies has gripped the Sitakunda section of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, one of Bangladesh’s busiest transport routes. According to local sources, gangs are attacking vehicles at night by throwing heavy objects to force them to stop, then robbing passengers at gunpoint. On May 8, robbers attempted to attack a police microbus in Bhatiari Union, but officers managed to capture one suspect. The following night, a microbus carrying wedding guests was looted in Nunachhara, with cash, phones, and jewelry taken within minutes.

Residents and travelers allege that inadequate night patrols have emboldened the gangs, making key areas such as Nunachhara, Kumira, and Faujdarhat increasingly unsafe. Transport operators warn that continued insecurity could disrupt trade and logistics linked to Chattogram port, threatening the national economy. Meanwhile, Sitakunda town is also facing a rise in thefts, drug activity, and youth gang violence, heightening public anxiety.

Police say investigations are underway and patrols have been reinforced, but locals question when visible improvements in safety will occur.