'We took this unusual move because of rising crime in the city and it is working,' deputy police commissioner Imtiaz Hossain told AFP.

'In the past four days we have arrested some 60 wanted muggers who have been targeting our officers thinking they are women civilians.'

The specially formed teams across Dhaka, nicknamed 'burka squads' after the Muslim female garment, are helping to catch muggers, bag snatchers and pickpockets, which are on the increase in the city.

Some male officers wear full burkas, while others opt for wigs to disguise themselves as women at busy intersections and crowded places where most of the crimes occur, Mr Hossain said.

Authorities said the special patrol teams would continue to work on the streets in disguise until the law and order situation improved in the Muslim-majority country. -- AFP