A deadly armed robbery on the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway has exposed serious security lapses along a 44-kilometer stretch at Chakaria upazila in Cox’s Bazar district.

The latest incident occurred late Thursday night near the Malumghat slope, where a gang of highway robbers caused the death of Mahmudul Haque, 28, and left three others injured.

According to Chakaria Police Station officer-in-charge Touhidul Anwar, a group of robbers from Lama hill area blocked the highway with ropes in an attempt to stop motorcyclists.

As the riders tried to evade the trap, they lost control and collided with an oncoming vehicle.

Mahmudul Haque, a resident of Balukhali in Ukhiya, died on the spot.

The injured were taken to Chakaria Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

Following the incident, police arrested one suspect and detained three others for questioning.

The deceased’s body has been sent to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for autopsy.

Two damaged motorcycles involved in the robbery attempt have been taken into police custody.

OC Touhidul Anwar confirmed that the attack was a deliberate tactic by an organized gang operating from the surrounding hilly regions.

These criminals reportedly descend from Lama into Cox’s Bazar, commit robberies and thefts along the highway and then retreat into the hills, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them. This has left a significant portion of the highway vulnerable to such attacks.

Local transport workers also expressed concern. Rostom Ali, a bus driver, said at least 10 points on Cox’s Bazar stretch of the highway are extremely dangerous.

“Drivers and passengers live in constant fear,” he said, alleging that local and highway police are more focused on extorting money than protecting commuters.

In response, Malumghat Highway Police OC Md. Mehedi Hasan claimed that two patrol teams are working routinely to manage traffic and prevent crimes.

Meanwhile, Ramu Police Inspector (Investigation) Md. Farid said that their department is on high alert, deploying two patrol teams during the day and three at night to cover Ramu section of the highway.

Cox’s Bazar Additional Superintendent of Police and spokesperson Jasim Uddin Chowdhury said the incident is under investigation and assured legal action against the perpetrators.

To prevent future occurrences, he added, the highway will soon be brought under CCTV surveillance.

In the most vulnerable zones, police checkpoints will be established, manned by both Detective Branch (DB) and Chakaria police, added the police official.