Motorcycle theft in Dhaka has escalated alarmingly over the past thirteen months, yet gaps in police response and case management are compounding the problem. Victims frequently report that complaints are not always accepted at local police stations, and follow-up investigations often lack urgency.
A recent incident during Ramadan illustrates this troubling trend. On a Friday, a businessman’s motorcycle was stolen from his residence in Turag. Rakibul Hasan approached Turag Police Station to file a complaint, only to be met with reluctance. “The police refused to register my case initially,” he told Prothom Alo. “I submitted a formal complaint, but they asked me to follow up after Eid.”
Turag Police Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam told Prothom Alo that he was unaware of the case but encouraged the victim to contact him directly for resolution.
Similar cases date back almost two years. Rezoul Karim, owner of a buying house in Uttara West, reported the theft of a high-value motorcycle. Despite GPS tracking revealing its location, police failed to act. “The authorities neither filed my case nor attempted to recover the vehicle,” he said.
DMP spokesperson Muhammad Talebur Rahman emphasised that all theft cases must be formally registered and investigated. “Any officer showing negligence in registering cases will face appropriate disciplinary action,” he said.
Motorcycle Theft Statistics in Dhaka
Data from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) show 113 motorcycle theft cases over the past 13 months. Including other vehicles, the total theft cases approach 400, with 332 arrests and 228 vehicles recovered. Officials admit that not all thefts are reported, obscuring the full scale of the problem.
| Month | Motorcycle Theft Cases | Other Vehicle Theft Cases | Arrests | Vehicles Recovered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17 | 36 | 21 | 28 |
| Total 13 Months | 113 | ~287 | 332 | 228 |
Organised Theft Rings
Dhaka is currently host to at least ten organised motorcycle theft rings, each comprising 5–10 members.
- Abul Kalam Azad’s Ring: Spread across Dhaka and other districts, with 30–35 members, linked to approximately 50 theft cases.
- Jasim Uddin’s Ring: Originating from Shibchar, Madaripur, this group operates in Dhaka with associates Md. Harun, Ashik Biswas, Rajib, and Mohsin, implicated in 13 theft cases.
Stolen motorcycles are often sold in rural areas for between BDT 20,000 and 100,000, with engines and chassis numbers frequently altered to hinder recovery.
The combination of active theft rings and inconsistent police coordination has contributed to the sustained rise in motorcycle thefts across Dhaka. Victims continue to face delays and procedural obstacles, highlighting an urgent need for better law enforcement responsiveness and improved victim support.