Arfin Negar
Traditionally, guardians have chastised school and college students for spending excessive time on Facebook. However, amidst the current political upheaval in Dhaka, Facebook has emerged as an invaluable tool for residents to combat various crimes, including burglary and mugging. This change comes as the police force has refrained from their duties following a series of fatal attacks on their barracks and colleagues.
The power of social media, particularly Facebook, is now evident as Dhaka city dwellers use the platform to abate crimes. With police stations in most areas deserted, the situation has left the capital in a state of panic and uncertainty. In the absence of police presence over the past three days, residents have turned to Facebook to report incidents of looting, robbery, and mugging.
As reports of criminal activities surged on social media, the Bangladesh Army stepped in, urging citizens to contact the nearest army camp for assistance in cases of sabotage, robbery, violence, and threats to life. Notable incidents of robbery have been reported in various areas, including Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Jafrabad, Bosila, Jigatola, ECB Chattar, Uttara, Mirpur, and Jatrabari.
In response, panic-stricken residents have formed neighborhood patrol groups to safeguard their communities. Reports on Facebook indicate that these local patrols have successfully thwarted several robbery attempts, even capturing some alleged robbers. Army personnel have also intervened in certain areas to prevent criminal activities.
In addition to forming patrol teams, locals have established communication cells using various messaging platforms. These groups identify problem zones and relay information to the patrol teams. In this circumstance, Facebook has become a crucial platform for reporting incidents of robbery and burglary, enabling real-time updates and coordinated responses.
Loudspeaker announcements have also been made in various neighborhoods, urging residents to take to the streets around midnight to confront criminals. Mosques in different parts of Dhaka have broadcast warnings about robbers in the vicinity, advising people to lock their doors and remain vigilant. Residents have been asked to stay alert and prepare for defensive action at any moment.
Fear of robberies has led many Dhaka residents to spend sleepless nights, with anxious family members calling each other to ensure their safety. In many households, people have kept their lights off to avoid attracting attention from criminals exploiting the political chaos and the absence of police.
The ongoing political turmoil was triggered by the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as the prime minister on Monday, following a month-long protest by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Reports confirm that Hasina has fled to India. In the wake of her departure, Army Chief of Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman addressed the nation, announcing plans to form an interim government.
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, is expected to take oath tonight at 8:00pm. General Waker-Uz-Zaman yesterday expressed his hope that normalcy would return within three to four days. Meanwhile, citizens have flooded social media with comments expressing their desire for new political leadership, rejecting existing political parties.
Arfin Negar is the acting editor of Bangladesh Business News. email: arfinnegar11@gmail.com