Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

Despite active efforts by the Narayanganj district administration, criminal activities continue to rise, leading to concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation. Analysts warn that crime remains unchecked, as some fugitive criminals are returning under the protection of new leadership, making the district increasingly unstable. Incidents of theft, robbery, mugging, and sexual violence are on the rise.

During his visit to Narayanganj on February 25, central BNP leader Mirza Abbas also expressed concern, stating that a few “miscreants” were deliberately attempting to create unrest in the region.

Gang Rape Case Filed in Fatullah : A case has been filed in Fatullah following the gang rape of a woman, after criminals allegedly tortured her husband and showed her the video as blackmail. On the night of February 25, the victim herself filed the complaint at Fatullah Model Police Station against two perpetrators.

According to the case details, a young couple got married on January 10 despite opposition from their families. The woman rented an apartment in Fatullah’s Purba Lamapara, while her husband stayed separately in the same area. On February 18, around 12:30 AM, the husband was intercepted by a gang led by Nazmul, son of Monir, and his accomplice Roni. They abducted him to an unknown location, recorded a video of him being tortured, and later used it to blackmail his wife. The two men then took turns raping her before stealing their phones and cash.

Fatullah Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shariful Islam stated that the incident was not reported immediately, allowing the perpetrators to escape. Multiple police teams are now working on their arrest.

Fake RAB Gang Robs 21 Lakh Taka, One Arrested : A team from RAB-11 arrested Abdul Haque Swapan (45) from Dhaka’s Demra area on February 25 for his involvement in a gang that posed as RAB officers and looted 21 lakh taka from two Dubai expatriates.

On January 14, expatriates Abu Hanif and Rajib Bhuiyan were traveling by public transport from the airport to Cumilla when a white HiAce van intercepted their bus near Keodala, under Bandar Police Station in Narayanganj. Several men claiming to be RAB officers boarded the bus, accused the two of having criminal records, and forced them into the van. They were then tied up, beaten, and robbed of 21.35 lakh taka, mobile phones, passports, and other valuables before being abandoned on a deserted road in Demra.

Following a complaint filed by Abu Hanif, police launched an investigation and arrested Swapan on February 25. Another gang member, Bashir Ahmed (52), had already been arrested on February 3. Swapan was also found to have previous cases of pornography and robbery in Dhaka’s Paltan and Keraniganj police stations.

Public Captures Suspected Mugger with Firearm : In another incident, locals apprehended and handed over a suspected mugger to the police after finding him in possession of a foreign-made pistol and magazine. The incident occurred late on the night of February 25 at an easy-bike garage near Pathantuli Bus Stand in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj.

The arrested individual, Zahidul Hasan Rehan (22), son of Ansar Ali from Pathantuli, was caught by locals who suspected him of being involved in mugging. He was beaten before being handed over to the police. Siddhirganj Police Station OC Shahinur Alam confirmed that Rehan was injured and is now receiving treatment at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), also known as the Pangu Hospital in Dhaka. A legal investigation is underway.

Former Union Chairman Arrest : Police have arrested Lak Mia, former chairman of Brahmandi Union Parishad and an Awami League leader, from the Asian Highway toll plaza in Rupganj on February 25. He had been on the run since the August 5 public uprising.

Lak Mia faces at least nine cases, including murder, weapons possession, and check fraud, across police stations in Araihazar, Narsingdi’s Madhabdi, and Dhaka’s Vatara. He had also been sentenced to one year in prison for check fraud.

According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Mehedi Islam, police had been tracking Lak Mia for some time. Acting on intelligence, they successfully arrested him in Rupganj and later transferred him to Araihazar Police Station for further legal proceedings.