Readers’ Voice: Rising crimes in society should be a serious concern for all

In recent years, all kinds of crimes have increased in Bangladesh, thanks to an inept government that does not feel it necessary to prioritise improving the law and order situation.

To remain in power and make wealth illegally appears to be its only goal.

Of late, when the majority of people are struggling to make ends meet because of the ongoing economic crisis and the next general elections are approaching, society is witnessing an upward trend of crimes.

This scenario demands urgent attention of the concerned people including the civil society.

Bangladesh cannot go the way it is going.
According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) statistics, killing, stealing, robberies and narcotic related offences have increased in the capital.

The crime of political violence has also increased with party activists, particularly the young members of the ruling party, becoming more unruly since they know they can get away with their crimes easily.

In the days ahead, the law and order situation may quickly take a nosedive centering the forthcoming election.

Apart from all these crimes, incidents of women and children repression have also increased in society.

The DMP statistics say that a total of 28,749 cases related to crimes were filed in 2022, which is 15 per cent higher than the previous year.

Some 62,494 people were reportedly arrested in connection with different crimes in 2022 while such cases were around 50,000 in 2021.

Records say 173 people were killed in 2022 while the number was 152 in 2021.

Many crimes in society also do not appear as news in newspapers or are recorded in the police book.

The rising trend in crimes says the year 2023 will see more incidents of crimes in this year than the previous years.

Political violence and arbitrary arrests centering the election may trigger more killings and bloodshed.

As far as stealing and mugging are concerned, these have also increased, clearly due to the ongoing economic crisis that has created a huge number of beggars in society also.

As people are unable to survive, they are getting involved in criminal activities.

Incidents of killing will increase if the incidents of political violence, business conflict, revenge, illicit affairs and narcotics use increase in society.

Ibn Manzoor
Dhaka, Bangladesh