The capital’s Mohammadpur area gained notoriety as ‘Gangs of Asifpur’ during the previous government’s tenure, referencing the Bollywood gangster crime film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’. Former councilor Asif Ahmed was accused of patronizing ‘teenage gangs’. That is where the moniker stemmed from. However, this area has not become safe even after the change in the political landscape. Although Asif Ahmed has fled, the teenage gang culture he fostered has intensified its reign in this middle-class residential neighborhood. Daylight snatching, robbery, extortion, murder, and rape have become rampant, turning the area into a criminal haven. On average, one mugging case is reported to the local police station every 48 hours in this area. Elderly residents find disturbing parallels between the current situation and the terrifying crime-ridden Mohammadpur of the ’90s. Law enforcement officials, however, traditionally consider this area crime-prone. Experts warn that if crime in Mohammadpur is not controlled swiftly, it could have long-term consequences.
According to locals, the capital’s Mohammadpur is currently a hotbed of discussion. Just as crimes were committed during the previous government, the same trend continues even after the change of government. In particular, drug dealers, robbers, thieves, and other criminals are active in four hotspots in Mohammadpur. These four hotspots are Bosila Beribadh, Dhaka Uddan, Geneva Camp, and the Bihari Camp opposite Town Hall. Residents are living in fear of theft, mugging, and robbery. Which makes it difficult to run a business here. Every residential building and road in the area becomes quiet as evening falls. No one can predict when, where, or who will become a victim of crime.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) divides the Mohammadpur zone into two police stations: Mohammadpur and Adabor. According to their data, twelve mugging cases and ten theft cases were registered in the Mohammadpur police station in April. At the same time, six mugging cases, one theft, and one kidnapping case each were registered in the Adabor police station. In May, ten mugging cases, including one murder case and five theft cases, were registered in the Mohammadpur police station. In the same month, four mugging cases and three theft cases were registered at the Adabor police station. In June, eleven mugging cases, including one murder and five theft cases, were registered at Mohammadpur police station, while two mugging and theft cases, including one murder, were registered at Adabor police station. In total, from April to June, 3 murder cases, 45 robbery cases, 26 theft cases, and one kidnapping case were registered in the Mohammadpur zone. On average, one robbery case is registered every 48 hours in the Mohammadpur zone. However, locals claim that the actual number of such crimes is several times higher, as many victims do not file cases to avoid the hassle of dealing with the police.
Locals claim that many crimes have occurred in the Mohammadpur area after the change of political power. Some of these incidents have recently come to the attention of everyone. Such as the robbery of BDT 1.18 million from a Nestle company vehicle, the mugging of a female student’s bag at gunpoint, the stabbing of two people in front of Sadek Khan Aarot, the stabbing of a security guard for preventing a robbery at Akota Housing, the serial killings in the violence of a teenage gang, or the shootings at Geneva Camp. The inactivity or indifference of the police and administration in these cases is evident, leading to strong criticism from local residents. They even held a protest march a few days ago.
In Mohammadpur, the most frequent incidents of robbery are in Ward No. 33. A report by an intelligence agency has identified some areas as highly risky. According to the report, Chadd Uddan, Sat Masjid Housing, Lautola, Nabi Nagar Housing, Dhaka Uddan, Turag Housing, Bosila 40 Feet, Katasur, Green Housing, Bosila Garden City, Akota Housing, Chan Mia Housing, Mohammadia Housing Limited, Mohammadia Housing Society, Navodaya Housing, Boatghat, Sadek Khan Road, Cancer Goli, Rayerbazar, Pulpar Bottola, Sher-e-Bangla Road are the areas where the most incidents of mugging occur.
Dr. Tawohidul Haque, an associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at Dhaka University, and a social and crime expert, believes three key factors contribute to Mohammadpur becoming crime-prone. He told Bonik Barta, “The crime situation in Mohammadpur is different from other areas, mainly due to the failure of law enforcement agencies. Additionally, three elements contribute to making this area crime-prone. Firstly, the presence of Bihari communities and their involvement in various crimes. Secondly, Mohammadpur is a habitat for marginalized communities, meaning life is comparatively less expensive here. Criminals take advantage of this by residing more in this area and committing crimes. Furthermore, criminals get opportunities when those responsible for their control become their patrons. We thought that the special operation might bring the crime situation in Mohammadpur under control. But that hasn't happened. These special operations are politically motivated. To control crime in Mohammadpur, a special operation must be conducted in this area with no political or other objectives; crime control should be the sole focus. The crimes that are now prevalent in Mohammadpur and across the country should be considered non-bailable offenses. Finally, only by identifying and taking strict action against the patrons of criminals can crime in Mohammadpur be brought under control.”
In the ’90s, Mohammadpur in the capital was widely known as a haven for criminals. Later, during the previous AL government, the capital’s most notorious criminals established hideouts here, capitalizing on political support and administrative constraints. However, at one stage, criminal activities gradually subsided due to political settlements and law enforcement efforts. However, after the change of power on August 5, the situation of the 1990s suddenly returned to Mohammadpur. Especially after the July uprising, the criminal gangs in the area took a very dangerous form within a few days. Residents were gripped by fear due to a relentless string of mugging, extortion, murder, and torture incidents.
Seventy-year-old Shahinur Rahman, a resident of Dhaka Uddan in Mohammadpur, recalled the terrifying memories of the 1990s when observing the current criminal landscape. He told Bonik Barta, “There’s no distinction between day and night in Mohammadpur now. Everything is the same for criminals. Armed displays are openly conducted here. There are also incidents of shootings and deaths centered on the dominance of the area. A few teenage gangs are at the center of these crimes. These teenagers are being used to create terror throughout the area. Taking advantage of this, incidents of encroachment and extortion are also happening constantly. It has become virtually impossible for business owners to operate in Mohammadpur currently. Here, one group takes extortion in the morning, and another group in the afternoon. At night, armed patrols begin. These circumstances remind me of the terrifying Mohammadpur of the ‘90s. At that time, too, armed criminals patrolled day and night. Incidents like extortion, robbery, and murder used to happen regularly. The same thing is happening now.”
Fazle Rabbi Sumon (25) went to visit the Intellectuals Memorial with his wife on Saturday (July 26) after visiting his in-laws. He carried an expensive mobile phone. He was targeted by muggers there. Sumon was stabbed to death in a scuffle when they tried to snatch the phone. He is not alone; daylight snatching, robbery, and murder have become daily occurrences in Mohammadpur. Especially after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5 last year, at least seven people were killed in Mohammadpur in the two and a half months. Shahen Shah was shot dead in a drug-related incident at Geneva Camp on August 6 of that year. Rickshaw puller Sonu was shot dead in a second drug dispute at Geneva Camp on September 4. On September 20, a double murder occurred during a chase near Sadek Khan Aarot. Two young men named Nasir and Munna were killed. On October 10, night watchman Rabiul Islam of Dhaka Uddan was stabbed to death by miscreants after being caught stealing. On October 16, a man named Shanemaz was shot dead at Geneva Camp. On October 17, auto rickshaw driver Shahriar Ashik was beaten to death in Bosila on suspicion of being a thief.
Former IGP Nur Mohammad believes that law enforcement agencies should take special measures for particularly crime-prone areas. He told Bonik Barta, “Every city or district has some crime-prone areas, which are identified as crime hotspots. It is not possible to prevent crime in these areas, just as in other areas. There is a need for increased patrols and creating awareness by engaging with the local community. Additionally, regular follow-up is required by preparing a list of criminals through collecting intelligence information. Moreover, it is now possible to control these crimes through CCTV cameras and advanced technology. However, for extremely crime-prone areas like Mohammadpur, the most important thing is to have a special police unit ready that is thoroughly aware of the criminals in the area. Simultaneously, politicians and the masses must play a responsible role in controlling crime.”
Meanwhile, many law enforcement officials traditionally consider Mohammadpur a crime-prone area. According to them, Mohammadpur is not only larger in area compared to other police stations in the capital, but also a breeding ground for more criminals. Furthermore, the presence of two densely populated areas, including Geneva Camp, naturally leads to increased criminal activity. As a result, maintaining law and order is often a challenge, according to members of law enforcement agencies. Hundreds of weapons were handed over to terrorists in this area to suppress the movement to overthrow the government, most of which have not yet been recovered. Now, criminals are using those weapons to continue their misdeeds.
Tejgaon Division Deputy Police Commissioner (DC) Md Ibn Mizan told Bonik Barta, “Traditionally, Mohammadpur has a slightly higher concentration of criminals than other areas. There are two camps for Urdu speakers here. There are two Urdu-speaking camps here, as well as bus, leguna, and CNG auto-rickshaw stands. Floating communities are often found in these areas. After committing crimes in Mohammadpur, they go to the Gabtoli and Mirpur areas. Moreover, beyond Dhaka Uddan lies the Turag River. This river is also an important route for criminals to move to a safe spot. Sources claim that these criminals stay in Keraniganj or its surrounding areas. They come to Mohammadpur via the river to commit crimes and then use the river to escape to safety. Taking advantage of such opportunities, more crimes are committed in the Mohammadpur area. However, efforts are being made to control these crimes through regular police patrols and operations. Additionally, efforts are being made to prevent the gang culture of criminals by creating area-based awareness through beat policing.”