Dhaka:Bangladesh Omar Faruk, who returned to Bangladesh after more than six years in Saudi Arabia, was allegedly robbed of his savings and gold jewellery within hours of his arrival. The incident occurred near the July Museum and Zia Udyan while Omar and his family were on their way to their home in Subarnasur village of Keraniganj.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Omar filed a complaint at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, claiming that 4,700 Saudi Riyals and approximately 88 grams of gold jewellery were stolen by individuals posing as law enforcement officials. The alleged robbery took place around 506 am when a HiAce car blocked their path, and four or five people emerged, claiming to search the vehicle for illicit goods.
Omar, who arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Saudi Airlines flight at 11 pm on Friday, was accompanied by his father, Dudu Miah, and his cousins, Abdur Rahman and Dulal Miah. After completing airport formalities, they left for home in a private car around 445 am. Despite taking precautions to avoid muggers, they were targeted shortly after leaving the airport.
During the search, Omar alleged that the group took the car keys, and in the process, stole the Saudi Riyals and jewellery. The alleged robbery lasted about a minute and a half, during which one person reportedly threatened them to leave quietly, brandishing a knife and a stick typically used by law enforcement.
The family continued their journey home after the incident, where Omar's mother became ill upon hearing about the robbery. Omar, who had worked at a factory in Saudi Arabia since March 2020, had saved the money and gold as part of his future plans for his family.
Later, Omar visited the scene and submitted a written complaint to the police. Monir, the Officer-in-Charge of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that a case would be registered following verification of the allegations through CCTV footage examination.
Omar expressed his distress over losing his savings and not being able to hold his child upon returning home. His father, Dudu Miah, called for the arrest of those involved and the recovery of the stolen items. Omar's cousin, Suleman Akash, noted the hardships Omar faced while working abroad and the irony of being robbed after taking precautions to avoid such incidents. Omar is now awaiting the authorities' investigation into the matter.