Rape, killings become litmus test for BNP
Abu Jakir :
A series of rape, murder and violent assault cases across the country has triggered nationwide alarm, with political leaders, students, human rights advocates and civil society members warning of a worsening law and order situation despite the installation of a new government following the February 12 general elections.
Incidents of rape, killing, stabbing, extortion and looting in broad daylight are increasingly being reported from both urban and rural areas, fueling public frustration and fear. Many citizens had hoped that the formation of a new administration after the much-anticipated polls would restore stability.
Yet weeks after the election, critics say the security situation shows little sign of improvement.
Allegations that individuals with political connections are involved in some of the crimes have further deepened concerns.
The government led by Tarique Rahman has publicly vowed “zero tolerance” toward rape, murder and other serious offenses.
In his first address to the nation, the prime minister declared that restoring public safety and curbing corruption would be his administration’s top priorities, adding that the rule of law—not political influence—would guide governance.
Senior officials say law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take stern action against perpetrators regardless of party affiliation.
Recent cases have intensified scrutiny.
In Narsingdi, a 15-year-old girl was allegedly abducted, raped and later killed after her family sought justice for an earlier rape.
According to police and local sources, the teenager—whose father works at a textile factory—had reportedly been assaulted about two weeks earlier by a group of young men led by a local youth known as Nura.
The family approached a former union parishad member seeking redress but alleged they received no justice and were instead pressured to leave the area.
Last Wednesday night, as her father was reportedly taking her to a relative’s house for safety, she was allegedly abducted again by the same group and killed her. The incident has sparked outrage locally and nationally.
In Dhaka’s Hatirjheel area, residents surrounded the local police station demanding justice for six-year-old Tahia, who was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. Protesters accused authorities of attempting to downplay the case.
Meanwhile, in Hazaribagh, a 15-year-old schoolgirl, Shahriar Sharmin Binti, was fatally stabbed.
The accused, Siam Hossain, 19, has reportedly given a confessional statement before a metropolitan magistrate court.
The spate of killings prompted strong condemnation from Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and leader of the opposition in parliament.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, he said the incidents had “shocked the entire nation.”
He alleged political involvement in certain cases and accused sections of the administration of negligence.
Referring to the killing of the six-year-old, he questioned attempts to label the incident an “accident” and demanded transparent investigations and exemplary punishment.
He also called for state protection, medical assistance, legal aid and rehabilitation for affected families.
Legal experts say systemic weaknesses compound the crisis. Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Sayed Ahmed told The New Nation that while Bangladesh has stringent laws against rape, slow investigations and prolonged trials often embolden perpetrators.
“Victims frequently withdraw cases under social pressure, leaving offenders unpunished,” she said. “This culture of impunity undermines deterrence.”
Human rights expert Barrister Faran Md Araf pointed to entrenched patriarchal norms and institutional shortcomings.
Gender-based discrimination, coupled with inadequate education about consent and rights, continues to fuel violence against women and children, she said.
Rapid urbanisation and economic stress have strained social structures, while law enforcement capacity—particularly in rural areas—has not kept pace. Political interference and limited resources further weaken accountability mechanisms, she argued.
Government leaders insist they are taking action. According to officials, directives from the highest levels have instructed police to pursue offenders without regard to political identity.
Authorities claim disciplinary and legal measures have recently been taken even against members of the governing party in districts including Kishoreganj, Magura, Chandpur and Barishal.
Amid mounting frustration, students from different universities, including Dhaka University and Islamic University, have staged demonstrations on their campuses demanding justice and stronger action against sexual violence.
The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union organized a protest procession on Friday that began at 1:45pm from the university’s central mosque and ended at the Raju Sculpture.
Protesters chanted slogans demanding women’s safety and accountability from the government.
Addressing the gathering, Ducsu Vice President Shadik Kayem warned that if further attacks on women occur, students would again take to the streets and build mass resistance.
He said many had hoped the incoming government would ensure equal rights and security for all citizens, but alleged that it has so far failed to guarantee safety of lives.
Whether the government’s pledge of zero tolerance will translate into sustained improvements remains uncertain.
For the many people of the country, the recent tragedies have reinforced a painful question: can the promise of rule of law overcome entrenched impunity and restore a sense of safety in everyday life?
