Dhaka, April 11 -- In Sylhet, even daylight no longer guarantees safety.

A relentless spate of thefts and muggings has turned daily life into a gamble for Sylhet's residents, with criminals emboldened enough to strike in busy streets and quiet lanes alike and escape with ease.

Money, mobile phones and bags are being snatched openly, with victims held hostage under threat of weapons.

Beyond financial loss, the risk of serious injury -- or worse -- has deepened anxiety among city dwellers.

Police say 47 cases of theft and mugging were filed across the city in February and March.

Residents, however, claim the real number exceeds 100 incidents, alleging many victims avoid filing complaints to "escape hassle".

The situation has been exac...