Syed Shemul Parvez :
Reports of killings, muggings, robberies, and other criminal activities have surged alarmingly across Bangladesh, including the capital, Dhaka.
Despite significant law enforcement initiatives, these incidents have created widespread panic among the public, especially following the students’ uprising during the July Movement.
At least 30 people, including 10 students and seven vessel staff, have been mysteriously killed, with many others seriously injured in the past few weeks. Notably, the students were killed in the capital, and most were directly involved in the July Movement.
These killings are widely perceived as targeted assassinations or secret killings, allegedly as acts of vengeance by fascist elements.
Experts and police officials have observed that the rising crime rates, coupled with increased public awareness and discussions, have amplified fear among citizens, particularly in urban areas. According to reliable sources, after the July uprising, some followers of the previous fascist regime may be attempting to create unrest across the country in this transitional period.
The recent murders of students have raised significant concerns. On 12 December, East West University (EWU) student Tazbir Hossain Shihan was hacked to death in Gazipur’s Kaliakair, while American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) student Mohammad Simanta was fatally stabbed by muggers in Narayanganj. Simanta succumbed to his injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on 14 December.
In response, students staged protests in Rampura, demanding justice and issuing a 24-hour ultimatum for the arrest of the perpetrators. They warned of escalating their movement if their demands were not met.
Dr Tawohidul Haque, Associate Professor and Social Criminologist at the University of Dhaka, emphasised the importance of thorough investigations into the student killings.
He recommended consulting victims’ families, classmates, and associates to uncover any underlying motives.
Dr Haque also highlighted attempts by certain factions to destabilise the country following the July uprising. He urged law enforcement and the public to collaborate in combating these challenges to restore order and stability.
A particularly horrific incident occurred on Monday in Chandpur, where seven individuals were brutally killed aboard a vessel, causing nationwide shock and panic.
The attack, allegedly by a group of robbers on Sunday night, left seven bodies, including vessel master Golam Kibria, driver Salauddin, helmsman Aminul Munshi, greaser Sajibul Islam, and two crew members, Azizul Munshi and Majedul Islam. One victim remains unidentified.
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained a 24-year-old suspect, Akash Mondal, in connection with the murders. However, the arrest has sparked controversy, with many questioning how a single individual could execute such a brutal crime.
Lieutenant Colonel Monim Ferdous, RAB media wing director, assured the public that efforts are underway to address the alarming rise in crime. Regarding the Chandpur murders, he revealed that the killings were allegedly committed by Akash Mondal, who was reportedly frustrated over unpaid wages and mistreatment.
The interim government, which took office on 8 August following the fall of the Awami League government, has faced immense challenges in restoring law and order. Crime prevention efforts were hindered after police officers abandoned their stations during the mass uprising.
While a new Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner have been appointed, significant improvement in the situation has yet to be achieved.
Incidents of mugging, robbery, and theft have escalated significantly, particularly in Dhaka, leaving residents fearful of venturing out, especially at night. On 18 December, Hafez Kamrul Hasan was fatally stabbed on the Mayor Hanif Flyover during a mugging. Despite two arrests in connection with the incident, public fear remains high.
A widely circulated video on social media recently highlighted a mugger armed with a sharp weapon robbing pedestrians in broad daylight in the Asad Gate area of Dhaka.
From 1 November to 22 December, over 50 snatching and robbery incidents were reported across Dhaka’s 50 police stations. However, experts caution that these figures likely underrepresent the scale of the problem, as many victims choose not to file complaints.
The recent surge in violent crimes presents a significant challenge for the interim government, which must urgently address these issues to reassure citizens and ensure public safety. Law enforcement agencies need to enhance their efforts to restore order, prevent future incidents, and maintain confidence in the rule of law.
