DMP Chief Says Police Struggle to Catch Muggers in Boots

Staff Reporter

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjad Ali cited boots and uniforms as obstacles for officers attempting to catch muggers. He stated that officers carrying weapons and wearing heavy gear find it difficult to chase down suspects.

The commissioner made the remarks on Wednesday during the annual general meeting of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB). He sought public cooperation to prevent street crimes.

Sajjad Ali said police efforts to curb muggings remain ongoing but urged citizens to safeguard their belongings, including mobile phones, bags, and wallets.

He noted that police had taken significant action against muggings in the past week. “We are ready to assist you, but efforts to secure personal belongings will make our work easier,” he said.

Explaining the rise in mugging incidents, he mentioned that a large portion of offenders are between 15 and 22 years old and often drug-dependent. Their substance abuse drives them toward such crimes, he added.

Ali disclosed that 80% of muggings in the capital involve mobile phones. Muggers often snatch phones while victims are talking on public transport or in private cars, quickly fleeing the scene. He said officers’ heavy gear and boots make it challenging to match the speed of muggers, who often run barefoot or in light shoes.

He also reported that police launched a special operation across the capital on December 22. During the first 24 hours, 93 muggers were arrested. While he claimed the operation has significantly reduced muggings, it will continue until the situation is fully under control.

The commissioner addressed the broader challenges facing the city, including its dense population and social issues. With a population of 20 to 25 million, a significant portion of whom are from lower- and middle-income groups, unemployment and social problems contribute to crime, he said.

Ali criticized groups that use public roads for protests to press demands, saying such actions worsen the city’s fragile traffic system. Key routes, including Mirpur Road, Airport Road, and Rampura Road, become gridlocked, causing severe disruption. He urged citizens to choose open fields or designated venues for protests.

Regarding the police force, the commissioner stressed the need for specialized training to improve performance. “It’s not possible to transform 40,000 members overnight. Time and training are essential,” he said.

He reflected on past incidents, noting how police inactivity during a previous government crisis impacted the city. Acknowledging the force’s limitations, he assured residents that the police are committed to serving despite resource constraints.

The commissioner called on residents to cooperate with law enforcement to enhance safety and service quality in Dhaka.