In recent times, rising crime and deteriorating law and order have been a major concern of the people. Media reports paint a worrying picture of public safety and security. Shootings on broad day light, bus arson and cocktail explosions in Dhaka and Chittagong have raised fears among the public. On one hand, there are killings to establish dominance among top terrorists, while on the other; unease has been created about the programmes announced by the banned Awami League.
Meanwhile, the monthly crime report of the police also confirmed a five percent increase in seven types of crimes, including murder. The killing of top listed terrorist Tariq Saif Mamun by shooting in Old Dhaka proves how reckless the criminals are now. Despite repeated promises by the interim government over the past 14 months to improve the law and order situation, this has rarely been reflected in practice.
As reported, many criminals escaped from prisons after the collapse of law and order before and after the July Mass Uprising last year. Among them, there were militants and top terrorists. Many of them were released on bail due to the fragile administrative system. But many of them could not be arrested again.During this time, a large amount of weapons and ammunition was also lost from the police station and prison, much of which could not be recovered yet.
Security analysts have warned the government on several occasions that such top terrorists and missing weapons could lead to a serious deterioration in the law and order situation in the country. Despite this, there has been no strong operation to recover weapons or fight against top terrorists. Top terrorists are trying to regain dominance in the criminal world after being released from prison.
On November 5, Sarwar Hossain, who was participating in an election campaign for BNP candidate Ershad Ullah in Chattogram-8 constituency, was shot dead. It is learnt that there were 15 cases against him, including extortion, weapons, and murder. As the aftermath of this incident continued, gunmen riding motorcycles in Old Dhaka shot and killed Tariq Saif on Monday, a ‘top terrorist’ on the police list, indiscriminately.
Speedy justice must be ensured. Murder, extortion, and terrorism are no longer isolated incidents — they are a serious threat to national security. A coordinated national effort to control crime is essential. Law enforcement agencies must be allowed to work impartially, free from political influence, and exemplary punishment must be ensured for any perpetrator.
