In a major crackdown on highway crime, the Munshiganj District Detective Branch (DB) of police arrested six members of an organized robbery gang near the Padma Bridge toll plaza on Friday.
The gang, which included two former policemen and a former army member, was caught while attempting to commit a robbery by impersonating law enforcement officers.
The arrests took place on January 23, 2026, at approximately 12:20 PM. Acting on a tip-off regarding a silver Hiace microbus traveling from Srinagar toward the Mawa toll plaza with criminal intent, a DB team led by SI Abul Kalam Azad set up a strategic check post at Lane 4 of the Padma Bridge (North) toll plaza.
When the suspects’ vehicle attempted to bypass the signal and escape, police intercepted the microbus. Inside, the suspects tried to create panic and break the windows to flee but were quickly overpowered and detained by the officers on duty.
The gang was heavily equipped with paraphernalia used to mimic law enforcement, including: Tactical Gear: 04 brownish-brown DB police belts with official monograms, 01 pair of steel handcuffs, and 01 wireless (walkie-talkie) set. Weapons: 01 black plastic toy pistol, 01 high-voltage electric shock machine (5000K Volt), and 01 Chinese laser light. Vehicle: A silver-colored Hiace microbus (Registration: Dhaka Metro Ch-16-2929).
The six arrested individuals have been identified as: 1. Md. Bashir Hawlader (56) – Found with the walkie-talkie and toy pistol. 2. Md. Kajal Islam Jiku (30) – Found with the handcuffs. 3. Md. Hira Bepari (48) – Found with the DB police belts. 4. Md. Mostafizur Rahman Raju (48) – Found with the electric shock machine. 5. Md. Rubel Rana (30) – Found with the laser light. 6. Md. Faisal Rabbi (21) – The driver of the microbus.
According to OC Istiag Russell of the Munshiganj District DB, the group admitted to long-term involvement in robberies and kidnappings along the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway. A case has been filed under Sections 170, 171, 399, and 402 of the Penal Code 1860 (relating to impersonating public servants and preparation for robbery).
The suspects are being sent to court, and further raids are underway to apprehend remaining gang members.
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