In Shibchar Upazila of Madaripur, two cattle traders were brutally attacked by a group of robbers, resulting in injuries and the theft of four lakh taka. The incident took place on Wednesday, 19 November, at approximately 6:00 AM on the Dhaka–Barisal expressway near the Bandorkhola Chowrasta area.
According to local sources, the two businessmen, identified as Rajan Mollah (60) and Alauddin Dewan (67), were travelling from their home in Pāchchar, Shibchar, to Tekarhat by pickup van to purchase cattle. As they approached the Bandorkhola Chowrasta area, a private car suddenly stopped in front of their vehicle.
“When we stopped to see if there was a problem, four armed robbers emerged from the car and attacked us with machetes,” said Rajan Mollah. “They injured both of us and took four lakh taka before fleeing. It all happened so fast that we could barely react.”
The injured traders were promptly taken to Shibchar Upazila Health Complex, where they received medical attention. Hospital sources confirmed that while both sustained cuts and lacerations, their injuries are not life-threatening.
Shibchar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Rokibul Islam confirmed that the site of the incident had been inspected. He added that no formal complaint has yet been submitted, but a police investigation is underway. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas and interviewing locals to identify the suspects and track their movements.
Incidents of highway robberies targeting cattle traders have reportedly increased in the region, prompting calls from local business communities for heightened security measures along the Dhaka–Barisal expressway. Traders have urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen patrolling and deploy more checkpoints to prevent similar attacks in the future.
A summary of the incident is presented below:
| Victim | Age | Injuries | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajan Mollah | 60 | Slashed with machete | Tk 4 lakh |
| Alauddin Dewan | 67 | Slashed with machete | Tk 4 lakh |
The police have appealed to anyone with information about the robbery to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, the traders’ families are reportedly shaken and calling for swift action to restore safety on the highway.
SS