Law and order situation better than last year
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the country’s law and order situation had improved compared with the same period last year, citing official statistics that show a decline in crime across most categories.
However, he declined to comment on a recent report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) assessing the crime situation during the new government’s first 100 days in office.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, the minister said crime data from the past three months had been compared with figures from the corresponding period in 2025.
“Three months have been completed since we assumed responsibility. According to the statistics I have received, there has been a notable improvement in the crime situation compared to 2025. Crime has decreased in almost every category,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while attending a ceremony honouring 15 police personnel for their roles in handling several high-profile incidents. The recipients received certificates of recognition and cash awards of Tk 20,000 each, while some were also presented with special badges.
The recognised officers included members involved in the swift investigation of the murder of a child, Ramisa, in Pallabi and the arrest of the accused, three River Police members who helped rescue passengers following a waterway accident at Daulatdia, and officers who contributed to the arrest of four suspects in a gang rape case in Munshiganj.
Meanwhile, independent MP Rumin Farhana questioned the government’s law and order record during its first 100 days while speaking in parliament under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure.
Referring to a report published by TIB, she said the organisation had documented a significant number of murders, kidnappings and other crimes during the period.
“I was waiting for the Home Minister to arrive. What can I do-I have to speak in his absence,” she told the House.
According to the figures she cited from the report, there were 476 murders and 196 kidnappings during the government’s first 100 days.
She further said that during March and April alone, the country recorded 605 murders, 294 muggings, 90 robberies and 196 kidnappings. The report also cited 129 attacks on police personnel, 2,214 thefts and 3,496 incidents of violence against women and children.
Rumin Farhana said the data reflected serious concerns about public safety and law enforcement.
According to the report, between 78 and 102 people were victims of rape during the period, while gang rape cases ranged between 30 and 36. The number of child rape victims was reported to be between 49 and 71.
“These statistics make it clear what the state of law and order in Bangladesh has been over the past three months,” she said.
The lawmaker argued that the government’s performance would largely depend on the effectiveness of the ministries responsible for the economy and law and order.
Responding indirectly to the criticism, the Home Minister said TIB was not a government agency and that a more accurate assessment of crime trends should be based on data compiled by the police and the Home Ministry.
He noted that TIB’s reports were largely based on media reports and newspaper clippings rather than direct investigations.
“To understand the actual crime situation, one must look at the data maintained by the police department and the Home Ministry,” he said, adding that monthly crime statistics covering offences such as robbery, murder and rape were regularly compiled.
The minister reiterated that recent official data indicated a marked improvement in the country’s crime situation compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
