“City Struggles with Crime Surge and Cash Shortages Amid Ongoing Political Negotiations, Bangladesh

Residents across Bangladesh endured a restless night, forming neighborhood patrols to
protect their streets from potential robberies and looting, as the violence-stricken nation
prepares for the swearing-in of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad
Yunus on Thursday.

The country has been on edge since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal on Monday,
with police staging a work stoppage over safety concerns following reports of fatal assaults
on officers. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and appointed
by President Mohammed Shahabuddin after dissolving the parliament, will be sworn in this
evening. This follows weeks of intense student protests that compelled Hasina to resign and
flee.

Amid the tumultuous unrest, law enforcement’s absence over the past two days has led to a
surge in criminal activity, with gangs looting homes. Many residents in areas spanning from
Uttara to Mohammadpur in Dhaka spent a restless Wednesday night, worried about them
safety.

On Wednesday night, residents took to the streets in organized groups, armed with sticks
and bats, to protect their neighborhoods from looters. The scene saw a remarkable display
of community effort, with hundreds of students from the local madrasa joining in to safeguard
the area. These young volunteers remained vigilant throughout the night, patrolling and
guarding crucial sites such as government buildings and public properties. As dawn broke,
they dispersed, returning to their homes after a long and arduous night of vigilance.

Zakirul Islam, a Chanmia Housing resident in Mohammadpur, mentioned that despite having
guards stationed at the housing area’s entrances on Wednesday night, the lingering fear
prevented residents from getting any rest.

Abir Hossain, who lives in Mirpur-14—a neighborhoods known for housing many
government officials—described the widespread panic that ensued when it was reported that
robbers had breached their residential complex.

A resident of Naboday Housing reported o The Daily Star that a group armed with makeshift
weapons attacked a nearby house last night. They forcibly broke open the main gate and
stole cash and jewelry.

Numerous Facebook users shared videos and live streams showing robbers attacking a
building in ECB Chattar, near the Mirpur cantonment. The footage also captured the sounds
of Army patrol sirens. Throughout the night, Facebook posts chronicled the ongoing attacks
and robberies, with many expressing confusions about the sudden surge in criminal activity.

The Daily Star reported that most ATMs were out of cash and many bank branches were
facing shortages due to disrupted money supply and inadequate security. Nasir Hossain, a
Dhanmondi resident, noted his frustration after visiting nearly ten ATMs without being able to
withdraw any money, either due to depleted funds or restrictions on cards from other banks.

Pubali Bank’s Managing Director, Mohammad Ali, stated that while there is no inherent cash
crisis, the distribution of money to ATMs and branches has been hindered because security
companies responsible for cash transportation have suspended their services. He explained
that these security agencies have informed them they will not operate under the current
conditions, leaving banks struggling to maintain cash supply, particularly at remote locations.
In parallel developments, political parties are deliberating the composition of an interim
Cabinet. The anti-discrimination student movement has compiled a list of 15 potential
candidates for the interim government, which will be finalized after consultations with Yunus
upon his return on Thursday. According to sources within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,
leaders of the student movement met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam
Alamgir to discuss the proposed list. The student movement has also established a liaison
committee to engage in discussions with various political parties.