A carefully executed armed robbery in Tongi on Saturday night has drawn renewed attention to the vulnerabilities faced by mobile banking personnel operating in urban Bangladesh. The attack, which involved gunfire and knife assaults, resulted in one worker being critically injured and nearly Tk 1.5 million stolen, underscoring the increasingly organised nature of street crime.
The robbery took place around 8:00 pm on Anarkali Road, a commercial thoroughfare within Tongi East Police Station’s jurisdiction. Arif Hossain, aged 27, and his colleague Azad, 32, were carrying cash on behalf of a licensed bKash agent when they were ambushed while travelling on a motorcycle.
According to police sources, the attackers—believed to be two or three individuals—had likely been monitoring the victims’ movements. As the pair approached the area near the Madhumita Three-Storey Mosque, their motorcycle was abruptly blocked, preventing escape. The suspects immediately demanded the cash bag, indicating prior knowledge of its contents.
When the victims resisted, the assailants resorted to extreme violence. Arif Hossain was shot in the chest at close range, a life-threatening injury that caused him to collapse. He was then stabbed with a sharp weapon, further worsening his condition. Azad was also injured with a bladed weapon while attempting to shield his colleague and prevent the robbery.
The attackers escaped with Tk 1,477,000, disappearing into nearby streets before police could arrive. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bystanders initially afraid to intervene due to the presence of firearms.
Residents eventually assisted the injured men and arranged their transport to Tongi Government Hospital. Doctors there quickly assessed Arif’s injuries and referred him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for specialised care. Medical staff confirmed that the bullet wound posed a serious risk, requiring immediate intervention. Azad’s injuries were treated locally and were not considered life-threatening.
Police have acknowledged the seriousness of the crime and confirmed that a manhunt is underway. Officer-in-Charge Mehdi Hasan stated that investigators are examining CCTV footage, mobile phone data, and possible escape routes. He added that law enforcement agencies are treating the case as a priority due to the use of firearms and the scale of the robbery.
Security analysts argue that this incident reflects a broader trend in which criminals increasingly target mobile financial service workers, who often carry large amounts of cash with minimal protection. Despite the rapid expansion of digital payment platforms, cash-based transactions remain common, creating lucrative opportunities for organised criminal groups.
Community leaders in Tongi have urged authorities to increase visible policing, especially during evening hours, and to coordinate with mobile banking companies to develop safer cash-handling protocols. Suggestions include staggered transport times, discreet movement methods, and emergency response mechanisms for field workers.
As the investigation continues, the attack has left many questioning how safe routine work has become in densely populated urban areas. For mobile banking employees, Saturday night’s violence serves as a stark reminder that everyday professional duties can carry life-threatening risks.