Residents and workers in the Adabar area of Mohammadpur, Dhaka, staged a protest outside the local police station on Saturday night, demanding action against escalating extortion and armed robbery in the neighbourhood. The demonstration, which began around 1:00 am, continued deep into the night, with participants blocking roads and chanting slogans calling for stricter law enforcement.
According to police and local sources, the unrest was triggered by a violent incident at a nearby embroidery factory. On the evening of 21 February, while salaries were being distributed, a group of 10–12 armed men, reportedly wielding machetes, attacked the factory. Their apparent objective was to extort money and seize cash and mobile phones. Several workers and the factory owner attempted to resist the assailants and were severely injured in the assault before being rushed to a local hospital.
News of the attack spread rapidly to neighbouring factories, fuelling anger among workers. Protesters attempted to confront the alleged ringleader, known locally as Russel, by surrounding his house. Unable to locate him, they detained his father, who subsequently contacted the police. For his safety, the father was taken to the police station, where crowds soon gathered demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible.
Mohammadpur Zone Assistant Commissioner (AC) Md. Abdullah Al Mamun stated that the owner of Abir Embroidery Factory had filed a formal complaint, and police investigations are ongoing. “All individuals involved in this violent assault will be identified, and legal action will be taken according to the law, regardless of their status,” he assured.
Local residents reported a worrying rise in organised extortion, robbery, and armed intimidation in Adabar and surrounding areas. Factory owners noted that attacks often coincide with salary distribution days, with gangs threatening staff and vandalising property if “protection fees” are not paid. Such criminal activity has become a major threat to small businesses and industrial units in the area.
Below is a summary of the incident:
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Armed attack at embroidery factory |
| Location | Adabar, Mohammadpur, Dhaka |
| Date & Time | 21 February, evening to ~1:00 am |
| Perpetrators | 10–12 armed individuals |
| Injured | Factory owner and several workers |
| Legal Action | Case filed; investigation ongoing |
Security experts suggest that increased patrolling, enhanced CCTV surveillance, and proactive intelligence operations could significantly curb such crimes in industrial and densely populated areas. Locals have called for swift arrests and long-term security measures to ensure a safe environment for both businesses and workers.