Crime wave sparks calls for action
A surge in violent crime and criminal activity across Dhaka and other parts of the country has heightened public concern over law and order, with citizens increasingly questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement and governance institutions.
Incidents of murder, robbery, snatching, extortion, kidnapping, rape, mob violence and juvenile gang activity have been reported in recent weeks, contributing to growing insecurity among ordinary people.
Several high-profile crimes, including daylight shootings and fatal attacks, have further intensified public anxiety and raised concerns about the safety of lives and property.
There are also allegations that some criminal groups enjoy protection from influential political figures, while local law enforcement agencies have been accused of failing to take effective action against offenders.
Critics argue that despite the government being in office for more than three months, there has been little visible improvement in the law and order situation.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has claimed that murders, kidnappings and other serious crimes occurred at an alarming rate during the government’s first 100 days.
According to the organisation, 476 murders and 196 kidnappings were recorded during the period.
Statistics cited in its report show that March and April alone witnessed 605 murders, 294 snatching incidents, 90 robberies and 196 kidnappings.
The report also recorded 129 attacks on police personnel, 2,214 theft incidents and 3,496 cases of violence against women and children.
A number of recent incidents across the country have reinforced concerns over public security.
In Dhaka’s Mouchak area, Billal Hossain Talukdar, 57, a volunteer party leader and former Ramna branch convener, was fatally stabbed during a mediation meeting on 8 June following an altercation.
In Motijheel, businessman Lokman, 45, was shot and robbed of Tk 1.7 million in broad daylight near Shapla Chattar on 7 June. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was admitted to hospital.
Police also recovered the body of a 29-year-old housewife from a flat in Tejgaon Industrial Zone. Authorities said the body was found hanging and bore signs of injury.
In Pallabi, five-year-old Ibrahim remains missing despite a case being filed. CCTV footage reportedly identified the landlord’s son as the last person seen with the child.
In Savar, police are investigating the death of 21-year-old Ria Moni after allegations that her husband, a recently appointed student political leader, strangled her following a domestic dispute.
In Cox’s Bazar, an armed gang allegedly looted an expatriate worker’s home and sexually assaulted his wife and school-going daughter. Police have arrested six suspects.
Noakhali witnessed two separate shooting incidents. Faruk Hossain, 27, was critically injured after being shot by unidentified assailants, while an auto-rickshaw driver was also shot in broad daylight in Begumganj.
In Pabna, Ali Hossain, 53, was shot dead outside a madrasa in front of his child. In a separate incident, college student Monirul Islam, 24, died after being stabbed near the district’s central bus terminal.
The district also saw unrest following the rape and murder of a ninth-grade student. After the victim’s funeral, an angry crowd reportedly set fire to the suspect’s residence.
A subsequent gas cylinder explosion injured at least ten people, three of whom later died.
In Khulna, Hasan Sardar, 35, was beaten to death after protesting indecent behaviour directed at his wife. Local sources alleged the involvement of a former student political activist.
In Narayanganj, 18-year-old Md. Jobayer died after being stabbed by snatchers. His family later alleged that police demanded Tk 10,000 before formally registering the case.
Police in Noakhali also arrested a young man and recovered three foreign-made pistols, ammunition and magazines at a checkpoint.
Meanwhile, separate killings were reported in Mymensingh, while incidents of sexual violence against children and women were reported in Bagerhat and Natore.
In the latter case, a woman seeking treatment for her sick daughter at a public hospital was allegedly raped by a contracted cleaner. Three suspects have been arrested.
The continuing wave of violent crime has intensified calls for stronger law enforcement, greater accountability and more effective governance.
Observers argue that restoring public confidence will require impartial investigations, swift prosecution of offenders and decisive action against criminal networks, regardless of political influence.
With public concern continuing to grow, civil society groups and citizens are urging authorities to take urgent measures to strengthen the rule of law and improve public security across the country.
