People of Feni are growing increasingly concerned over a rise in theft, mugging, robbery, drug-related offences and other crimes, with many claiming that their confidence in police response has declined due to delays in getting remedies.
According to police statistics, 1,191 cases and incidents were recorded across the district between January and August this year, with Feni Sadar Upazila reporting the highest number of incidents.
Local residents allege that in many cases victims do not receive quick or expected support after filing complaints with police, discouraging some from approaching law enforcement agencies and creating opportunities for criminals.
The latest incidents occurred on Thursday in Chhagalnaiya and Daganbhuiyan, where separate allegations of robbery and theft heightened security concerns among locals.
In West Chhagalnaiya Banani Para of Chhagalnaiya municipality, burglars allegedly cut window grills and entered the house of an expatriate in Oman at around 3am on Thursday night. They reportedly injured homeowner Abdur Rashid Bhuiyan with a sharp weapon, assaulted his wife and took around three and a half bhori of gold ornaments and cash.
Rashid received treatment at the upazila health complex. Police visited the spot and collected CCTV footage as part of their investigation.
In another incident in North Barahi Gobinda area of Daganbhuiyan, thieves allegedly broke into an unoccupied house and stole cash and valuables after vandalising furniture. Locals said a series of thefts in the area has created fear over nighttime security.
Police said investigations into both incidents are underway and legal action will be taken after identifying those involved.
Earlier on 19 August, a robbery took place at the residence of expatriate Mohammad Nuruzzaman on the second floor of Rehan Mansion at Haji Aziz Ahmed Road in Mahipal, Feni town. Armed criminals held his wife Shahana Akter hostage and took away Tk10.60 lakh in cash and 14 bhori of gold ornaments.
CCTV footage showed two people entering the house and holding the woman at gunpoint. Police arrested one suspect in connection with the incident, but the victim’s family expressed frustration as the stolen money and gold remained unrecovered even 18 days later.
Police Superintendent’s Office crime statistics show that drug-related incidents accounted for the highest number of cases during the January-August period, with 300 incidents recorded. These were followed by 140 cases of violence against women and children, 114 theft cases, 55 road accidents, 18 murders, 18 smuggling cases, 16 robbery cases, five arms cases and three dacoity cases.
A further 522 incidents were recorded under other categories.
By upazila, Feni Sadar recorded the highest number of incidents at 556, followed by Chhagalnaiya with 193, Daganbhuiyan 163, Sonagazi 155, Fulgazi 78 and Parshuram 46.
Civic groups said weaknesses in law enforcement and the absence of locally elected representatives for a prolonged period have contributed to criminals becoming more active.
Advocate Mezbah Uddin Bhuiyan of Feni District Judge Court said law enforcement agencies need to play a more effective role in controlling crime.
However, police said they are continuing regular operations and monitoring to curb criminal activities.
Feni Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) Saiful Islam said police are working to control crimes through regular drives and surveillance.
Locals said restoring public confidence would require faster investigations, recovery of stolen property and effective legal action against criminals.
