Summary:
- Eight armed robbers hijacked a Dhaka-Rajshahi bus near Tangail, looting 50 passengers and sexually assaulting two women before fleeing.
- Natore police arrested the bus driver, supervisor, and helper on suspicion of collusion after passengers intercepted the vehicle in Baraigram.
- The attackers used knives and pistols to steal cash, jewelry, and valuables during the overnight raid while staff allegedly cooperated.
- Authorities seized the bus and launched an investigation amid rising concerns about road safety and transport staff accountability.
Police in Natore’s Baraigram Upazila arrested three bus staff members on suspicion of collusion following a violent armed robbery and sexual assault on a moving intercity bus. The incident occurred Monday night (February 17, 2025) during a journey from Dhaka’s Gabtoli terminal to Rajshahi, leaving 50 passengers traumatized.
Eight armed assailants, wielding knives and pistols, hijacked the Unique Road Royals bus (Dhaka Metro-B 11-0061) near Tangail’s Mirzapur area around 11:30 PM. They looted cash, gold jewelry, and valuables from passengers before allegedly raping two women onboard. Witnesses claim the driver, supervisor, and helper cooperated with the robbers, who fled near Mirzapur after holding passengers hostage for hours.
Passenger Majnu Akand reported, “The gang threatened everyone, took our belongings, and targeted the women. The driver didn’t resist or alert authorities.” Another traveler, Omar Ali, accused the staff of active collaboration during the robbery.
Baraigram Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sirajul Islam confirmed the arrests of driver Bablu Ali (30), supervisor Suman Islam (33), and helper Mahbub Alam (28) on Tuesday afternoon after passengers intercepted the bus and alerted authorities. “Legal action will follow a thorough investigation,” he stated.
The bus, initially flagged by Tangail police, was eventually stopped in Baraigram by four passengers who grew suspicious of the staff’s inaction. Authorities seized the vehicle and are pursuing the eight unidentified robbers.
This brazen attack has reignited concerns about passenger safety on Bangladesh’s long-distance bus routes, with calls for enhanced security measures and stricter oversight of transport staff.
