The law and order situation in Bangladesh has reached a critical point, characterized by escalating incidents of unrest, crime, and fear among the populace. Protests over a variety of issues have become a frequent occurrence, often leading to the blockade of major roads and causing immense suffering to ordinary citizens. These demonstrations, while reflecting legitimate grievances in many cases, have also disrupted daily life and compounded the challenges faced by the public.
Disturbingly, the situation has escalated to such an extent that even the sanctity of court premises is no longer inviolable. There have been alarming cases of lawyers being attacked and, in some tragic instances, killed within court compounds. This is a reflection of the broader security crisis gripping the nation.
Criminal activities such as theft, robbery, abduction, and violent assaults have seen a sharp rise. Murder rates have similarly surged, contributing to the growing sense of insecurity. Moreover, an alarming trend of mob justice has emerged in several areas, where individuals, often without trial or evidence, are subjected to public beatings and, in some cases, fatal attacks. This form of extrajudicial action has further destabilized the social fabric.
Reports indicate that at least 68 individuals have lost their lives in the past three months due to violent incidents. Unpredictable occurrences have become almost routine, making daily life increasingly fraught with danger. In the capital city, the presence of groups engaging in nightly drills with traditional weapons and sticks has only added to the pervasive sense of fear and intimidation. Such activities suggest a dangerous undercurrent of potential violence and further deepen the public’s anxiety.
Adding to the crisis is the apparent inability or inefficiency in law enforcement and judicial processes. A significant number of cases remain unreported or unprosecuted, leaving victims without justice and emboldening perpetrators. Despite this, police statistics reveal that approximately 25,500 cases were reported nationwide within just two months, September and October, underscoring the sheer magnitude of the issue. However, the actual numbers are likely higher, given the gap between reported and unreported incidents.
The statistics paint a grim picture of the current state of law and order, highlighting a surge in violent crimes and social unrest. Over a span of just two months, a staggering 1,296 cases of murder and rape were reported, underscoring the severity of the situation. Among these, 522 killings were documented, though data on Rohingya-related murders remains unavailable, leaving a critical gap in understanding the full scope of violence.
Robbery and theft have also seen a significant rise, with 111 cases of robbery registered and 231 incidents reported. Additionally, 481 cases of Sindhel theft and 1,328 cases of general theft further illustrate the pervasive nature of property crimes. These figures reflect a growing sense of insecurity among citizens, as their homes and belongings are increasingly at risk. Kidnappings, too, have surged, with 161 cases reported, adding to the climate of fear.
The legal and judicial system appears to be under immense strain, as evidenced by 221 cases categorized under speedy trials and 24 cases of riots. These numbers suggest a society grappling with unrest and a justice system struggling to keep pace with the rising tide of criminal activity.
The prevalence of organized crime and illegal activities is further highlighted by 280 cases under the Arms Act, 214 under the Explosives Act, and 338 cases related to smuggling. Drug-related offenses have reached alarming levels, with 5,099 cases reported, indicating a thriving underground network that poses a significant threat to public health and safety.
In addition to these specific categories, an overwhelming 13,211 cases were filed for other reasons, reflecting the broad spectrum of challenges facing law enforcement. The sheer volume of cases points to a system stretched to its limits, struggling to address the root causes of crime and maintain order
But it is the alarming rise in sexual violence in Bangladesh, with victims spanning all ages, from toddlers to the elderly, coupled with the harrowing nature of the incidents, has left the nation grappling with a profound crisis. Daily reports detail harrowing incidents, such as the rape of a 10-year-old girl in Chittagong by a 52-year-old man and the brutal assault of a 13-year-old child in Dhaka, who was admitted to the One-Stop Crisis Centre at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Other horrifying cases include a father accused of raping his daughter, a pregnant woman gang-raped in Keraniganj, and a stepfather in Narayanganj arrested for attempting to rape and film a teenage girl.
The statistics are stark. Violence against women and children surged by 19.5% from December to January, according to police data. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights organization, reported 250 rapes in the first half of 2024, with 14 women murdered after being raped and three taking their own lives. Perpetrators often include trusted individuals such as relatives, neighbors, and teachers, exposing a breakdown of trust and safety within communities.
One particularly tragic case involved an 8-year-old girl allegedly raped by her uncle-in-law while visiting her sister in Magura. Thousands of people gathered in the public square in Magura for the girl’s namaz-e-janaza, the Islamic funeral prayer, before she was laid to rest. This incident sparked nationwide protests, including an absentee funeral at Dhaka University, followed by marches and speeches demanding justice for rape victims and reforms to laws protecting women and children.
Amid this crisis, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali faced backlash for urging journalists to avoid using the word “rape,” calling it “unpleasant” and a source of panic. His remarks, made during the launch of the HELP app designed to assist women in reporting sexual violence, were widely criticized for prioritizing optics over addressing the root causes of rape. The commissioner’s contradictory acknowledgment that most rapes go unreported due to societal pressures further highlighted the systemic barriers survivors face.
Public outrage continues to mount, with demands for expedited justice, systemic reforms, and greater accountability from authorities to combat the pervasive culture of sexual violence and ensure the safety of vulnerable groups.
The cumulative effect of these developments is a growing state of panic and mistrust among citizens. The current scenario underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in law enforcement, judicial processes, and governance to restore order, ensure justice, and rebuild public confidence. Without swift and decisive actions, the situation risks spiraling further, posing severe implications for the nation’s stability and its people’s well-being.
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