Robbery Attempt on Police Vehicle

A man was arrested in Sitakunda, Chattogram, after allegedly attempting to rob a police microbus on the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway, reportedly mistaking it for a passenger vehicle.

The incident occurred at around 3:00 am on Friday in the Tulatuli area of Bhatiary Union under Sitakunda Upazila. The arrested individual has been identified as 28-year-old Rabiyul Hossain, a resident of Tulatoli village in Salimpur Union of the same upazila.

According to police, organised highway robbery gangs often target passenger microbuses and private vehicles using a coordinated method. Criminals are said to throw iron rods or metal pipes at moving vehicles, producing a loud impact. Drivers typically stop to check for damage or identify the source of the sound, at which point the attackers take advantage of the situation to commit robbery.

Police stated that a similar tactic was used in Friday’s incident. The suspects allegedly threw an iron pipe at a microbus, which they believed was carrying ordinary passengers. However, the vehicle was carrying police personnel. After the microbus stopped, the officers immediately responded, chasing the suspects and managing to arrest one person at the scene.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohinul Islam confirmed that the attackers had mistaken the police vehicle for a civilian transport vehicle before launching the attempt. He stated that Rabiyul Hossain was caught red-handed during the operation.

The officer also noted that the arrested individual has a history of criminal involvement, with 10 cases filed against him, including three robbery-related cases, in which he has now been formally shown as arrested.

Police further reported that a similar robbery attempt had taken place in the same area earlier in the week. On Thursday night, a microbus carrying passengers returning from a wedding ceremony was attacked in the Nunachhara area of Sitakunda municipality. Investigators said the same technique was used, where a metal rod was thrown at the vehicle. When passengers stepped out to inspect the noise, they were allegedly targeted by the robbery gang.

The Dhaka–Chattogram Highway is one of Bangladesh’s busiest transport corridors, carrying both passenger and freight traffic throughout the day and night. However, sections of the highway have periodically been affected by incidents of robbery, particularly during late-night hours.

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