February 26, 2025
DHAKA – Only yesterday, we criticised the home adviser’s overly optimistic portrayal of the law and order situation, and now a report citing statistics on crimes—from government sources, no less—shows how far from “satisfactory” the situation really is. According to police data based on filed cases, incidents of murder, abduction, robbery, burglary, dacoity, and theft have all increased across the country in January this year, compared to the same month over the last five years. For instance, at least 294 murder cases were recorded in January 2025, up from 231 in the same month last year. Meanwhile, robbery cases rose to 171 in this January, compared to 114 in January 2024, while abduction cases rose to 105 compared to 51 last year.
This trend, fuelling public outrage and security concerns simultaneously, is anything but a sign of a normal situation. On what basis, then, did the home adviser draw his conclusions? Even the much-publicised Operation Devil Hunt, resulting in over 9,000 arrests since February 8, hasn’t had the desired effect in restoring order or public confidence. While there is no denying that law enforcement activities have increased significantly of late, experts say that it is the rise in high-impact crimes—rather than overall crime rates—that most influences public perceptions of safety.
For instance, the multiple muggings reported in different parts of Dhaka on Sunday night or the robbery and sexual assault incident on a moving bus on February 17 have, understandably, tapped into anger accumulating over months resulting in an outburst of calls for the home adviser’s resignation. True, social media can sometimes disproportionately highlight certain cases while overlooking others that may be more grievous. But a modern police force cannot be distracted by that. It must stay ahead of evolving crimes and criminals, and take effective, multi-pronged steps that improve both safety and public perceptions of it. We have yet to see that happening.
We must recognise that law enforcement agencies are facing challenges on multiple fronts. Leave aside the alleged machinations of the cohorts of Awami League and other political actors. Beyond murder, mugging, and extortion, we have also seen repeated protests, clashes, and mob violence involving different groups over the last few months. Many incidents of attacks on mazar (shrines), darbar sharif (Sufi centres), and Baul akhras were reported. There has been a spike in rape and sexual violence as well. The release of some top criminals after the mass uprising as well as continued circulation of arms and ammunition looted from police stations have also contributed to the rising crime. According to police sources, of the 758 mugging suspects arrested in Dhaka from January 1 to February 20, some 115 have been released on bail. Add to that the role of rumours and misinformation on social media, which is only making matters worse.
Given this explosive situation, we need visible improvements in law and order, not assurances or boastful claims. For that, it is not enough to simply increase law enforcement activities; those in charge must too be made accountable. Given the alarming crime statistics as well as impending security risks associated with Ramadan and election-related activities down the year, the government must treat law enforcement as its number one priority going forward.