Staff Correspondent:

In recent months, the incidents of theft, robbery, snatching and direct attacks on jewellery businesses and killings have surged across the country, prompting Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) to seek urgent security measures.

In light of these growing concerns, jewellery business owners are urging the government to provide greater protection for their lives and property.

In a media release on Wednesday, the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus), the country’s largest trade organisation representing product-based industries, has expressed gratitude for the government’s recent initiatives to combat organised crime targeting jewellery establishments.

They, however, have called for further support to ensure the safety of the jewellery trade.

Bajus reviewed media reports and found that recent incidents of theft, robbery and snatching have increased at an alarming rate.

It said jewellery stores have become prime targets for thieves and robbers.

Statistics show that in the past eight months, 17 jewellery establishments across the capital, Dhaka, and other regions have fallen victim to robbery and theft, resulting in losses estimated at around Tk 40 crore.

This has left many jewellery businesses feeling highly insecure, Bajus said.

Bajus’s acting president Gulzar Ahmed said that jewellery businesses are being repeatedly targeted, causing widespread panic among the business owners. “This is creating a sense of vulnerability among jewellers, and we urge Home Adviser to help improve the security situation,” he said.

Bajus General Secretary Badal Chandra Roy called for immediate measures to address the issue, and requested that authorities ensure the overall safety of jewellery businesses and gold traders.

He also called for the prompt return of licensed firearms to jewellery shop owners to ensure their protection.

Statistics reveal that in the first three months of the new year alone, 11 cases of theft and robbery were reported across the country.