Government must address WEF concerns about crime activities in Bangladesh

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in its Global Risk Report- 2026 has identified crime and illegal economic activities as the main risks now facing Bangladesh.

But in previous years, the organization had identified issues such as inflation, energy crisis, and employment as major risks for the country.

This is the first time in an election year that the issue of criminal activity has come up as number one.

The extent to which the law and order situation has deteriorated has created a great sense of insecurity among the common people. Therefore, people have seen crime as a major issue as a future risk.

This is a big message not only for the current government, but also for those who will take its place through elections.

As we know, the WEF publishes the Global Risk Report in January every year, ahead of its annual meeting.The organization conducts a conceptual survey to identify key country-specific risks.

Survey participants identified crime as the top risk in Bangladesh.

According to the police headquarters, 3,785 murders were committed in the country last year, which is 353 more than the previous year.

While a report by the human rights organization Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) says, the number of people killed in mob violence last year was 198.

In addition, the media has reported on the rampages of the ‘Kakon Bahini’ band of robbers in the Rajshahi-Kushtia region, the ‘Huma Bahini’ and the ‘MunnaBahini’ in Khulna several times.

Police headquarters also says, as of January 6, 1,333 weapons, including many heavy weapons, have not been recovered. More than 243,000 bullets of various bores are missing.

All these weapons and ammunition were looted from various police stations and police outposts during the mass uprising on August 5, 2024.

Also police have not been able to catch about 700 criminals who escaped from jail during the uprising.

In such an environment, it is natural that various crimes including murder, rape, robbery, theft, and kidnapping will be rampant.

The annual report of the ASK says that 749 cases of rape occurred between January and December 2025.

At least 36 women were killed after rape, seven committed suicide, and six more lost their lives after attempted rape.

We believe that if criminal activities are not controlled quickly in the run-up to the upcoming national elections, everything will be in ruins.

The hope of a free, fair and acceptable election will be dashed.

Therefore, initiatives must be taken to improve law and order and control criminal activities through coordinated activities.