Weak legal framework linked to rise in crime

Shahariar Islam Sovon :

Widespread crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, murder, and rape, are escalating in Bangladesh, particularly in the capital, Dhaka, sparking concern among citizens and experts alike.

Experts point to a weak rule of law and politically influenced institutions as key factors contributing to this troubling trend.

According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), violent crime is on the rise. Statistics from 2022 show a 15 per cent increase in crime, with 28,749 cases filed, up from around 25,000 the previous year.

In an exclusive interview with The New Nation, Professor Dr. Saber Ahmed Chowdhury, Chairman of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Dhaka University, emphasised the importance of the separation of powers in curbing violent crime.

He said, “Without ensuring the separation of powers, it’s impossible to curb violent crime in Bangladesh.

” Dr. Saber stressed that the rule of law, a critical element missing in the country’s law enforcement framework, is directly tied to the separation of powers.

Dr. Saber further explained that institutions such as the Election Commission, National Human Rights Commission, and the Information Commission are mandated to protect public safety and constitutional rights.

However, these institutions often fail to act independently due to political interference.

The police force, he noted, is especially susceptible to such influence. “Bangladesh Police is sometimes controlled by the Awami League and at other times by the BNP or other political parties, leading to biased enforcement of law and order,” Dr. Saber remarked.

He emphasised that neutral, independent institutions are crucial for reducing crime rates.

DMP statistics show that 62,494 individuals were arrested for various crimes in 2022, compared to approximately 50,000 arrests in 2021.

While this increase in arrests suggests a proactive approach by law enforcement, Dr. Saber cautioned that many of these cases are false, filed to harass or humiliate others.

“If strict measures were taken against false cases, the backlog in the courts would significantly decrease,” he added.

Although violent crimes such as murder, robbery, and drug-related offenses have risen, incidents of violence against women and children have reportedly decreased.

However, experts warn that the overall situation remains alarming, and more needs to be done to protect vulnerable groups.

The number of theft cases increased by 28 per cent, with 103 mugging cases and 145 robbery cases reported last year. In addressing violent crime, Dr. Saber proposed both short- and long-term strategies.

In the short term, he highlighted the need to improve evidence collection procedures, noting that Bangladesh still relies on the outdated Evidence Act from the British colonial period.

“We lack sufficient logistical support to collect evidence, which allows criminals to exploit gaps in the system,” he explained.

For the long term, Dr. Saber called for comprehensive institutional reforms, beginning with the depoliticisation of key organisations responsible for justice and public safety.

“The Election Commission, Human Rights Commission, and similar bodies must work independently to effectively curb violent crime,” he urged.

Above all, Dr. Saber stressed the need for both the government and the people to work together to protect the country and its citizens from the grip of social crime.

As Bangladesh grapples with rising crime rates, the need for comprehensive reform of the justice system has never been more critical.

Both immediate and long-term solutions are essential to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.