Raozan Community Foils Armed Robbery on Shab-e-Qadr

A daring armed robbery on the night of Shab-e-Qadr in Raozan Upazila, Chittagong, has left the local community both shocked and vigilant. Residents swiftly mobilised following the incident, tracking down the suspects and handing them over to law enforcement. By 5:00 pm on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, authorities had arrested nine individuals in connection with the attack.

The Robbery

The attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 17 March, around 1:30 am, at a newly constructed residence belonging to the family of the late Haji Md. Yusuf, situated in Badupara, Ward No. 4, Pahartali Union, adjacent to the Chittagong-Kaptai road. The victims included members of the families of Md. Babul, son of the deceased Haji Yusuf, and the families of the late Manjurul Qader, Ansarul Islam, Saiful Islam, Nazrul Islam, and Md. Hanif.

According to eyewitnesses, the robbers entered the two-storey house by cutting through the tin roof above the staircase. Most family members were abroad, employed in various Middle Eastern countries, leaving the home vulnerable. The intruders took advantage of their absence, assaulting women, restraining them with ropes, and looting gold jewellery, cash, and clothes reserved for the upcoming Eid festival.

Victim Testimonies

Nargis Akhtar, wife of expatriate Ansarul Islam, recounted the harrowing ordeal. She was performing prayers when 6–7 robbers stormed the house, attacking her and her child. The intruders gathered other family members, binding their hands and feet with ropes. Armed with sticks, iron rods, knives, and other makeshift weapons, the robbers ransacked the home.

Nargis revealed that approximately six bhori of gold jewellery and 10,000 Taka in cash were stolen from her, with the thieves taking an additional 150,000 Taka and valuables from other family members.

Community Mobilisation

Local resident Md. Parvez explained that most villagers were attending prayers at a nearby mosque during Shab-e-Qadr. A relative at the house noticed suspicious activity and alerted the mosque attendees, who promptly rushed to the scene to rescue the family. Residents then launched searches in the surrounding areas, apprehending the first suspect and later capturing additional members of the gang.

Auto-rickshaw driver Syed Muhammad Hanif added that he used mosque loudspeakers to inform the community once the news spread. Over 100 young men participated in coordinated searches, successfully aiding in the capture of the perpetrators.

Police Action

The Raozan Police Station confirmed the arrests. Officer-in-Charge Sajedul Islam Palash stated that the suspects face multiple charges, including armed robbery, attempted robbery, and theft, with some individuals linked to 4–12 separate cases. A detailed briefing is scheduled at the district police office on Wednesday.

Community Demands

The victims have demanded the recovery of stolen items and urged authorities to take decisive legal action against the criminal network. Residents emphasised the need to dismantle the gang entirely to prevent future incidents.

Incident Summary

Conclusion

The incident highlights the resilience and solidarity of the Raozan community in the face of violent crime. Swift and coordinated action not only safeguarded the victims but also ensured that the perpetrators were brought to justice. Authorities continue to investigate the matter, while residents insist on strict legal measures to hold the criminal network accountable and prevent further incidents.