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Kidnapping has become a growing problem


Published : 04 Feb 2021 08:50 PM | Updated : 07 Feb 2022 05:03 PM

Detective police arrested 9 members of the kidnapping ring from different places of the capital. In order to stop kidnapping, the police has started the registration of tenants again. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has directed to complete the information update and registration activities of all the tenants in the capital. Instructions have been given to 50 police stations to take necessary measures in this regard. 

It is worrying to note that kidnapping gang has abducted a number of people in the capital over the past few months. Victims were held hostage at gunpoint. After the abduction, pornographic pictures of the victims were taken with the female members of the gang so that the victims do not open their mouth. If the victims complained to the police or anyone else about it, they would have threatened to release pornographic pictures of the victim on social media. 

Kidnappers are most likely to target official or Businessman. The most common types of abduction in Bangladesh include basic opportunistic kidnap for ransom. A team of DMP detectives from Uttara Division arrested eight members of the kidnapping ring along with firearms in a raid in Dakshin Khan Police Station Chairman Para area. Kidnapping gang took targeted people in an unknown place by a microbus. Later, the kidnappers demanded a ransom from the abductees’ family. There were several cases against the arrested in Uttara West, Uttara East and Airport Police Stations of the capital. In that case police said, most families do not speak out, fearing that if they go public their loved ones will be killed or tortured in captivity.

High profile militant activist groups are getting involved in kidnapping and killing. Kidnapping is a real threat to people. Criminal gangs are responsible for many of the kidnappings. These groups often target businessman or office staff in the capital, particularly those traveling alone. Sometimes former law enforcement personal have been directly and indirectly involved in many kidnappings cases.

Here are some tips to avoid being kidnapped and some actions to take if you are kidnapped.

1: If you are traveling by vehicle, be aware of your surroundings. 

2: Check in and around your car before entering to ensure that no one is hiding inside.

3: Keep car doors locked.

4: Experienced kidnappers often conduct surveillance on potential victims using cars. Therefore, be wary of the same cars following you for long periods of time.

Use the following tips to avoid kidnapping when you are walking to your destination

1: Tell a trusted person where you will be, who will be with you and when you expect to return.

2: If you sense someone is following you when you get off a bus or train, walk toward a well-populated area.

3: Do not wear headphones or use mobile while walking or standing on the street.

4: Avoid using outside ATMs at night.


Md Shaikhul Islam Raton works with Bangladesh Post