A routine working day turned into a night of terror for vegetable seller Liton Mia (45), who was attacked and robbed by a group of muggers in Karwan Bazar on Thursday night. The assault, which occurred in front of the Amber Shah Jame Mosque, once again sheds light on the insecurity faced by thousands of low-income workers who move through Dhaka’s major markets after dark.
Liton Mia, a resident of the Kazipara neighbourhood near Tejaturi Bazar, earns a modest living by buying vegetables from Karwan Bazar and selling them on the roadside. His wife, Yasmin Begum, recounted the distressing moment she received a call telling her that her husband had been ambushed. According to what she later learned from witnesses, three men blocked Liton’s path and demanded money. When he hesitated, one of them struck him on the head with a sharp blade. Bleeding and disoriented, he was robbed of 33,000 taka—money he had earned from the day’s sales—as well as his mobile phone.
Passers-by quickly came to his assistance, taking him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Inspector Md Faruk from the hospital’s police camp confirmed that medical staff provided emergency care and that Liton’s condition was not life-threatening. Tejgaon Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Md Mobarak Hossain, stated that investigators were reviewing details of the incident and would take further steps once more information became available.
The attack underscores the broader challenges faced by small traders who work long hours and often carry cash due to the nature of their business. Many such vendors frequently walk home late at night along poorly illuminated streets with minimal police presence. Security analysts argue that these recurring incidents point to a need for better lighting, increased police patrols and improved CCTV coverage in commercial zones.
For Liton and his family, the incident is a stark reminder of the dangers they face simply to earn a living. It also raises urgent questions about how safe Dhaka’s markets truly are for the thousands who work there daily.