Nationwide crime wave triggers alarm
As of April 2026, concerns over law and order in the country have intensified, with reports indicating a sharp rise in serious crimes across Dhaka and surrounding areas.
Incidents including murder, rape, mob violence, assault, kidnapping, highway robbery, theft, mugging, involvement of teenage gangs, and extortion have been frequently reported, creating growing public anxiety.
Residents allege that public safety has deteriorated to the extent that criminal activities, including killings and robberies in broad daylight in busy areas, are becoming increasingly common.
Many claim that daily life has become unsafe both outside and inside homes.
Some members of the public further allege that instead of ensuring safety, sections of the police are being used to protect criminals.
They also claim that in certain cases, officers are accused of accepting money through informal “settlements” instead of taking legal action against individuals allegedly sheltered by political influence. These allegations, however, remain unverified.
Against this backdrop, Police Chief Ali Hossain Fakir’s recent statement that “99 percent of police members are honest” has triggered widespread debate and criticism on social media.
Critics have questioned the assertion, arguing that if such a high proportion of officers are indeed honest, then the persistence of open criminal activity in public spaces remains unexplained.
The Home Ministry and police leadership are now facing public scrutiny over the overall effectiveness of law enforcement.
Critics say that despite two months of the current administration, there has been no visible improvement in the law and order situation.
Intelligence sources suggest that criminal networks have become more active, with reports indicating that instructions for targeted killings are being issued from abroad.
Additionally, information has emerged regarding a possible sabotage plot by a banned extremist organisation.
Police Headquarters has stated that the situation is under close monitoring.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified block raids in several areas in an effort to curb rising crime.
A major initiative is also underway to install 11,000 CCTV cameras across Dhaka and surrounding areas to improve surveillance and crime prevention.
If the situation does not improve quickly, officials warn that normal public life and administrative functioning could be severely disrupted.
Senior police officials are reportedly holding frequent meetings on the issue, including discussions on patrol operations at police stations.
In a recent meeting held at Police Headquarters, several tough administrative decisions were taken.
Messages have been sent to all units, Range DIGs, and Superintendents of Police warning that strict action will be taken against personnel deployed in areas where law and order deteriorates.
Immediate transfers and temporary suspensions may also be enforced, according to a police source.
Field reports indicate that daytime patrols by station police are often irregular, while night patrols are reportedly minimal in some areas.
There are also allegations that some on-duty officers remain inactive during patrol duty hours.
Security concerns have further deepened amid reports of increasing political tensions, targeted killings, and a rise in criminal activity linked to hired gangs.
Intelligence agencies have also received information suggesting that individuals from various professional backgrounds, including politicians from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP, as well as businesspeople, lawyers, journalists, and teachers, may be on potential target lists.
Authorities have also warned of possible attacks by banned extremist groups on key installations, including the National Parliament Building, law enforcement offices, places of worship, entertainment centres, and areas such as Shahbagh.
The use of explosives or locally made weapons has also been flagged as a potential risk.
A senior official at Police Headquarters, who wished not to disclose his identity, said, “Killings are happening every day.
In the last one week, at least 20 people have been killed across the country.
Muggings are taking place in broad daylight. Altogether, we are also in a state of concern.”
He added that strict measures have been approved, and officers deployed in areas with deteriorating law and order will face disciplinary action.
According to Police Headquarters data, 317 murders were recorded nationwide in March alone, including 24 in the capital.
The highest number was reported in Chittagong, with 61 killings in the same month.
In Dhaka, 20 kidnapping cases were reported, while the national figure stood at 102.
Additionally, 1,485 incidents of violence against women and children were recorded, including 111 in Dhaka.
In contrast, Mohammadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mezbah Uddin told The New Nation that regular operations are being conducted to arrest criminals.
He noted that 673 individuals were arrested in March for various offences and around 7,000 Yaba tablets were recovered during raids.
Meanwhile, Shahbagh Police Station OC Md Moniruzzaman also told The New Nation that the situation in his area remains under control.
He added that police operations against terrorism, extortion, and narcotics trafficking are continuing without interruption.
Further data shows 637 cases related to burglary, robbery, mugging, and banditry.
In February, which coincided with the national election period, over 250 murders were reported nationwide, including 16 in Dhaka.
That month also saw 64 kidnapping incidents and 1,181 cases of violence against women and children, alongside over a thousand cases of theft and robbery.
Officials, however, acknowledge that the actual figures may be higher than those officially recorded at police stations.
