The northern regions of Araihazar Upazila have witnessed a sharp rise in robberies over the past week, coinciding with the severe winter chill. In just seven days, five major incidents have been reported, leaving residents increasingly anxious about their safety. Robbers have been targeting households, seizing gold jewellery, cash, and other valuables, while villagers attempting to resist have often been physically assaulted. The growing threat has compelled communities to organise rotational night watches to protect their homes.
The most recent incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at around 2 a.m. in Bhairabdi, Uchitpura Union. A gang of 20–25 individuals broke into the home of Rajon Roy, forcing family members at knifepoint to hand over valuables, including BDT 60,000 in cash, six and a half bhori of gold jewellery, five bhori of silver, and mobile phones. The gang subsequently targeted the residence of Dayal Roy in a similar manner. During their escape, the robbers attacked family members and neighbours, leaving several injured and hospitalised at the Upazila Health Complex.
On the previous night, Saturday at midnight, another gang of 10–12 masked individuals attacked textile workers in Kadamtali, Khagkanda Union. They forcibly took cash and mobile phones, threatening the victims with large knives. Witnesses recounted the terrifying ordeal, noting that the robbers wielded machetes to intimidate and overpower the workers.
Earlier, on 16 December, a gang of 15–20 robbers struck the home of businessman Abdur Rob Mia in Khirdasadi, Mahmudpur Union. The attackers stole ten bhori of gold jewellery, BDT 720,000 in cash, and other possessions, while injuring both the businessman and his workers. One worker was subsequently admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.
The following table summarises the recent robberies in Araihazar Upazila:
| Date | Location | Number of Robbers | Loot Details | Injured |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 December | Khirdasadi, Mahmudpur | 15–20 | 10 bhori gold, BDT 720,000 | 2 |
| 22 December | Kadamtali, Khagkanda | 10–12 | Mobile phones, cash | 0 |
| 22 December | Bhairabdi, Uchitpura | 20–25 | 6.5 bhori gold, BDT 60,000 | 4 |
Araihazar Police Superintendent Mohammad Alauddin confirmed the arrest of a notorious robber named Sujon Mia, who is implicated in multiple cases. Authorities have intensified patrols and are actively pursuing other suspects. Police have urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that robbers are exploiting the harsh winter nights to carry out their crimes.
Local communities continue to maintain night watches and call for increased police presence to deter further incidents, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures in rural areas during the winter months.