It is concerning to see a growing sense of vulnerability taking hold in parts of the capital, as incidents of violent street crime heighten public fears about personal safety in their everyday life.

Recent events in Mohammadpur -- two serious attacks unfolding within hours of each other -- have brought this concern into sharp focus.

A 16-year-old school student was stabbed by muggers after attempting to prevent his friend’s mobile phone from being snatched. In a separate incident the same night, a community coordinator was brutally hacked with sharp weapons at a local tea stall.

Both attacks left the victims seriously injured; victims not only of individual crimes that seemingly stemmed from nothing, but of a broader failure of the state to guarantee public security.

These were not crimes committed in remote corners of the city: They occurred in areas where thousands of citizens go about their daily routines. When violence, especially of this level, intrudes into such ordinary spaces, public confidence is bound to crumble.

The responsibility to restore that confidence rests squarely with the authorities. First and foremost, visible patrols in crime-prone areas, faster emergency response,  and improved street lighting must all be ensured if we wish to deter such crimes in the future.

Equally, if not more, crucial is sustained community efforts, ensuring not only that residents feel protected, but also that the core reasons of such extreme actions are identified and dealt with effectively.

Long-term solutions must be designed to address the root causes of rising street violence, including youth unemployment and organized criminal activity.

Public safety is a foundation of a successful nation. If residents cannot feel secure in their own neighbourhoods, the social fabric of the city begins to fray.

At this time, decisive action from the authorities is imperative in order to reverse this troubling, dangerous trend.