Dhaka must be a city for its inhabitants to live in without fear
The alarming rise in crime incidents across Dhaka, particularly in the capital, has become a pressing concern for residents and law enforcement alike.
Despite assurances from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the statistics tell a different story.
This newspaper on Sunday reported that between August and December 2024, 564 suspects were detained in connection with 51 snatching cases, yet the fear of extortion, robbery, and violent crime continues to grip the city.
The resurgence of notorious criminals, such as Picchi Helal and Emon, who have returned to their nefarious activities after being released on bail, underscores a troubling trend.
These individuals, implicated in serious offences including murder and extortion, have evaded capture, raising questions about the effectiveness of our justice system.
The DMP’s inability to locate these criminals, despite ongoing operations, is disheartening and suggests a systemic failure to address the root causes of crime.
The recent attacks on business owners and the brutal severing of a young man’s wrist by snatchers in Adabor highlight the urgent need for a more robust response from law enforcement.
The DMP’s assurances of active operations and the arrest of 16 individuals in high-profile cases are commendable, but they do little to alleviate the pervasive fear among citizens.
The public deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, yet the spectre of violence looms large.
Moreover, the DMP’s focus on monitoring released criminals is a step in the right direction, but it must be accompanied by a comprehensive strategy that addresses the socio-economic factors contributing to crime.
The recent spate of violence is not merely a law enforcement issue; it is a societal one that requires collaboration between government, community leaders, and citizens.
As the DMP Commissioner noted, it is disheartening that individuals who have spent long periods in prison have not reformed. This calls for a reevaluation of our rehabilitation and reintegration processes.
We must ask ourselves: how can we prevent these individuals from returning to crime?
While the DMP’s efforts to maintain law and order are commendable, they must be intensified and supported by broader societal initiatives.
The people of Dhaka deserve a city where they can live without fear, and we must act decisively to restore safety and security. We urge the authorities to take immediate action to reclaim our streets from the grip of crime.