Heightened cash transactions ahead of Ramadan and Eid have prompted special surveillance by the Detective Branch (DB) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police amid fears that organised snatch-and-rob gangs have become active across the port city.
Senior DB officials said investigations into recent robberies involving business cash movements have uncovered the involvement of insiders from several commercial establishments. Detectives have also identified suspects linked to gold snatching and the looting of hundi funds, with operations under way to bring those responsible to justice. Surveillance has been intensified across all DB units citywide.
Police say the seasonal spike in wholesale and retail trade during Ramadan – when large volumes of cash are transported daily – creates opportunities for organised crime networks.
To ease public movement during the fasting month, all police stations under CMP have been instructed to keep key corridors free of congestion and illegal hawkers. Officers-in-charge at several stations said public cooperation in keeping pavements clear and complying with regulations would significantly aid enforcement efforts, particularly as authorities also work to keep essential commodity markets stable.
Law enforcement officials warned that some criminal rings are impersonating police officers to carry out robberies. Victims tend to lower their guard when confronted by individuals claiming to be from intelligence or law enforcement agencies, a tactic gangs are exploiting. Others are allegedly using political identities as cover while committing crimes.
Detectives stressed that offenders would be treated as criminals regardless of affiliation or status, adding that any member of the force found complicit would face legal action.
In a recent operation, Chattogram Metropolitan Police personnel detained seven suspects in Kotwali while they were allegedly planning a robbery near the Old Railway Station’s Grameen Field Nursery area. Locally made weapons were recovered from their possession.
Investigators said organised gangs often rely on advance intelligence about large cash transfers. Corrupt employees within targeted institutions reportedly leak details such as routes, timing, and transport methods. Gangs then intercept vehicles – frequently buses – posing as police and seize money at gunpoint.
Interrogations revealed structured profit-sharing arrangements within the groups: reconnaissance operatives and armed assailants receive larger shares, while motorbike riders involved in escape logistics receive smaller cuts.
One businessman, speaking on condition of anonymity, said armed men boarded a bus he was travelling on, identified themselves as DB police, and accused him of carrying illegal items. He was taken to a secluded location and robbed of Tk 5 million after being threatened.
DB officials said complaints lodged either with local stations or directly at DB offices are being acted upon swiftly, with arrests often exposing new fraud tactics.
They advised businesses to avoid transporting large sums alone, keep routes and schedules confidential, verify identities of anyone claiming to be police, and inform local stations in advance when moving significant cash.
Deputy Commissioner (DB-North) Md Habibur Rahman of Chattogram Metropolitan Police said police would provide round-the-clock services during Ramadan.
“Anyone, individual or business, transporting large sums can seek police assistance,” he said, adding that a special action plan has been put in place for the month.
He said listed criminals are being monitored and would be arrested soon. Market authorities have been urged to report any security risks, ensure CCTV cameras remain operational at entrances, and preserve footage backups.
Officials believe that alongside law enforcement drives, public vigilance will be key to reducing robbery risks during the high-transaction Ramadan period.
