Robbers stop cars with loud bangs on Dhaka-Chattogram highway; police hand out warning leaflets in Mirsarai

Criminals have adopted a new robbery technique on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. They hurl iron rods or heavy objects at moving vehicles. The loud bang makes drivers think a tyre has punctured and stop — and the criminals use that moment to attack the vehicle and loot its belongings.

To prevent such crimes, Mirsarai police have assigned regular patrol duties at various points on the highway. Alongside this, the station's officer-in-charge (OC) Farida Yasmin ran a special leaflet distribution campaign to raise awareness among drivers and passengers.

The campaign was carried out from Thursday morning (November 12) until noon at various places along the Mirsarai section of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway.

The leaflets say: “Do not stop your vehicle anywhere at a sudden loud noise. This is a new tactic of robbers. Robber gangs make noises on the highway at any time of night to trick vehicles into stopping. Never stop at such sounds.”

The leaflets further say that vehicles must not stop in unfamiliar places upon seeing tree branches, stones or any obstruction by the roadside, or if a stranger waves. If necessary, drivers should speed up and move to a safe place.

Passengers are told to keep all doors and windows properly closed right after boarding. They are also advised not to lower window glass while standing in traffic jams or at signals.

For night-time stopovers, drivers are advised to stay near crowded, well-lit highway restaurants or police checkpoints instead of deserted petrol pumps or roadsides. People are also warned not to accept any food or drink offered by strangers on buses or along the journey.

Instructions for drivers include following traffic signals and road signs, not driving while talking on a mobile phone, keeping speed under control, being careful while overtaking, and keeping vehicle documents up to date. Driving under the influence of drugs or while drowsy, and parking outside designated places, are also discouraged.

There are separate instructions for motorcyclists: both rider and passenger must wear helmets, registration and driving licences must be carried, and riding with three people or riding on footpaths must be avoided.

OC Farida Yasmin said criminals throw various heavy objects at vehicles on the highway to create loud noises. Drivers often think a tyre has punctured and stop in deserted places. The robbers essentially exploit this to attempt robberies. To prevent such incidents, police personnel have been assigned patrol duties at important points on the highway.

She added that alongside regular police patrols, raising awareness among drivers and passengers is also essential. Vehicles must not be stopped just anywhere at a sudden noise or upon seeing an obstruction in an unfamiliar place; the matter should be checked after reaching a safe, crowded place. Any suspicious incident should be reported to police quickly. She said this police activity to ensure the safety of passengers and vehicles on the highway will continue.