Seven months after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the interim administration has yet to fully restore law and order.
Rather than improving, the situation appears to be deteriorating, with an alarming rise in criminal activities such as mugging, sexual violence, and militant demonstrations.
The public remains on edge as incidents of crime escalate across the country, prompting concerns about safety and governance.
On Friday (7 March), the banned Islamist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir staged a public demonstration, heightening fears of a resurgence in extremism.
Analysts speculate whether this signals the re-emergence of militant activity in the country.
Additionally, with Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, criminal syndicates engaged in extortion and mugging are expected to become more aggressive, further exacerbating public anxieties.
Among the most disturbing trends is the increase in sexual violence.
A particularly harrowing case in Magura, where an eight-year-old girl visiting her sister’s home was brutally assaulted, has ignited nationwide outrage.
The child remains unconscious in hospital and has been transferred to CMH in Dhaka for advanced treatment.
Even before the shock of this incident subsided, a series of other assaults followed.
A college student in Sitakunda, a speech-impaired young woman in Cumilla, a student in Thakurgaon, and two children in Munshiganj were all subjected to sexual violence, with several suspects now in custody.
Street crime has also surged.
On 15 January, a professor of Dhaka University was held at knifepoint by muggers in front of the Ganabhaban in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, losing all his valuables.
Last Thursday, an intoxicated mugger in Gulshan incited a crowd to stop a vehicle, assaulted its driver, and vandalised the car.
Sporadic attacks on pedestrians and incidents of mob violence have also been reported across the capital.
In response to the rising crime wave, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali urged citizens to ensure their own security before leaving for their hometowns for Eid.
However, his remarks that “law and order in Dhaka is stable” have sparked mixed reactions.
Attempting to downplay concerns, he characterised street crime as largely involving mobile phone snatching by adolescent criminals, some of whom sell stolen devices near border areas.
He admitted that 80-90% of reported street crimes involve mobile thefts, often perpetrated by teenage gangs.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam provided a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging that crime trends fluctuate and describing the current state of law enforcement as neither dire nor optimal.
He noted that the force is grappling with internal uncertainty following the reassignment of 125 officers post-5 August and the OSD designation of 82 more since the 2018 elections.
This upheaval has created a sense of apprehension within the ranks, complicating efforts to maintain stability.
Recent incidents have also highlighted tensions between the police and the public. In Uttara, a bus operator obstructed the road in protest after receiving a traffic violation fine, while aggressive confrontations between citizens and law enforcement officers have become increasingly frequent.
Contrary to public perception, Additional Police Commissioner (Crime & Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam insisted that Dhaka’s crime situation has not worsened.
He described the recent rise in thefts, robberies, and muggings as “isolated incidents” and assured that perpetrators would face stern legal action.
However, statistics suggest otherwise.
According to the Human Rights Support Society, at least 114 instances of mob violence have occurred over the past seven months, resulting in 119 deaths and 74 injuries.
Meanwhile, police headquarters data reveals 226 assaults on officers in the past six months, with 70 being serious incidents.
September to December 2023 saw 151 attacks, while January and February 2024 recorded 75 more.
Robbery cases have also surged. In January 2024, 242 cases of robbery and dacoity were filed nationwide—an increase of 99 cases compared to the same month in 2023.
Despite reassurances from law enforcement, the persistent rise in violent crime continues to undermine public confidence, leaving citizens fearful about their safety as the Eid holidays approach.
The prevailing sense of insecurity has led many to question how safely they can travel home for Eid or leave their homes unattended during the festive period.
With law enforcement struggling to contain the escalating crime wave, the fundamental question remains: will the authorities be able to restore public confidence before the situation spirals further out of control?
