Hatirjheel: From a scenic spot to a place of fear

Hatirjheel, a scenic lake in Dhaka celebrated for its picturesque views and bustling crowds, is increasingly becoming synonymous with fear and crime.

While it remains a favoured destination for families, couples and tourists, the area's darker side has drawn growing concern.

A visit to Hatirjheel and conversations with visitors revealed a mix of admiration for its beauty and apprehension about safety.

Raihan Masud, a resident of Badda, often visits the lake with his young child.

"My child enjoys coming here on weekends, so I bring them during the day. However, the area feels unsafe, especially after dark. We often hear of thefts and muggings, so we leave before nightfall," he shared.

For some, the fear is closer to home.

A local resident, speaking anonymously, recounted a burglary in their neighbourhood.

"The house opposite mine was robbed one evening before the owners returned from work. We heard their screams and found the house ransacked. The thieves fled before taking anything, likely out of fear of being caught," he said.

As evening descends on Hatirjheel, certain areas become eerily quiet.

Teenagers and middle-aged individuals gather in groups, but interactions with them often elicit evasive or hostile responses.

Local vendors, who operate until around 11 pm, say the atmosphere changes late at night.

"Drug use and muggings start happening after we leave," one vendor explained.

Police perspective 

Inspector Raju Ahmed of Hatirjheel police station confirmed that the area faces persistent crime.

"Hatirjheel is a hotspot for theft and mugging. Most perpetrators are drug addicts, often unemployed and from lower-income backgrounds. These crimes are easier for them to commit given the area's dense population and economic disparity," he said.

Inspector Ahmed also pointed to the prevalence of drug use in Hatirjheel. "The majority of addicts here consume marijuana, including teenagers, rickshaw pullers, and even wealthier individuals who arrive in cars to drink alcohol. While large drug shipments are rare, small-scale dealing is common. We detain those we catch red-handed, but large-scale arrests are limited."

A cycle of arrests and bail

The police claim to make hundreds of arrests daily. "By morning, our cells are full of those detained for drug use or loitering.

"But most of them secure bail quickly, including individuals previously involved in major crimes. Their associates often continue criminal activities like theft and mugging," Ahmed added.

Despite recognising the area's vulnerabilities, the police have yet to officially declare Hatirjheel a crime hotspot.

"We analyse crime patterns to guide our operations, but no formal designation has been made," Ahmed said.

A six-month snapshop of crimes

According to police data, the last six months have seen 19 murders, four rapes, 23 thefts, 16 suicides, and six muggings in the Hatirjheel area.

While no bodies have been found in public spaces, these crimes often occur in nearby homes, with investigations ongoing.

"We are working to uncover the root causes of these incidents and take appropriate action," the police officer said.

Hatirjheel's transformation from a serene urban retreat to a feared crime zone is a troubling development for Dhaka's residents.

For now, locals said, its beauty remains tempered by caution, as visitors weigh the risks of enjoying its charm.