An unprecedented rise in violent crime has plunged Dhaka and other major cities into a state of fear, with citizens reeling from a spree of brazen robberies, muggings, and homicides.
As night falls, a palpable sense of dread descends upon the capital, exacerbated by the government’s apparent struggle to contain the escalating lawlessness.
Last Sunday night, multiple incidents of violence in areas such as Rampura’s Banasree and Dhanmondi’s Shankar triggered widespread panic, keeping residents awake in distress.
The crisis prompted the home adviser to convene an emergency press briefing at his residence at 3am, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
The surge in crime has exposed cracks within the interim administration, with advisers conceding failures in maintaining law and order.
On Monday afternoon, the home ministry held a high-level meeting with government advisers, secretaries, and top law enforcement officials to devise countermeasures.
However, the demand for the home adviser’s resignation has gained momentum, with student groups and civil society staging protests across the city, setting deadlines for his departure.
Despite mounting criticism, Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has dismissed calls for his resignation, asserting that the security situation remains under control.
At a late-night press conference, he assured that law enforcement agencies had initiated measures to curb crime, with tangible improvements expected after nightfall on Monday.
Yet, crime analysts and observers paint a grim picture.
The frequency of murders, sexual assaults, and robberies has soared, prompting protests not only in Dhaka but also in Tangail, Barishal, and other districts.
Citizens have taken to the streets, demanding immediate action against rampant criminal activity.
Dr. Touhidul Haque, a criminology expert at Dhaka University, expressed concerns over the law enforcement agencies’ ineffective response.
“Crime patterns have evolved, but policing strategies remain stagnant. A reactive rather than proactive approach is failing to deter criminals,” he told the press, criticising the visible inertia within security forces.
Former IGP, Muhammad Nurul Huda echoed these sentiments, stating, “The deterioration in law and order is undeniable. The government must adopt stringent and strategic measures to curb the crisis.”
At a press briefing at the secretariat, the home adviser reiterated that law enforcement had been mobilised to tackle the situation.
“By tonight, the public will feel the difference,” he asserted, urging citizens to remain calm on Monday (24 February).
However, the opposition remains unconvinced.
During an early morning press conference at his Baridhara residence on Monday night, the home adviser alleged that elements affiliated with the Awami League were orchestrating unrest using illicit funds transferred back into the country.
“We will deal with them firmly; they will not be allowed to destabilise the nation,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the demand for his resignation has reached fever pitch, with student-led movements issuing a 24-hour ultimatum. Protesters vowed to escalate their demonstrations with torch processions if their demands remained unmet.
“This adviser stands on the blood of the people,” declared demonstrators outside Education Bhaban, challenging the legitimacy of the interim administration.
A student from East West University, voiced her frustration: “The home adviser’s press conference at 3:00 AM sounded eerily similar to previous ministers’ empty reassurances. We demand his resignation—enough is enough! It is almost the end of February, and we still lack basic security. If he cannot deliver, he must step down.”
A protest march under the banner of ‘Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression’ intensified calls for accountability, urging immediate legal reforms and swift action against perpetrators of violence.
The procession, which commenced at the Central Shaheed Minar at 2:30pm on Monday, faced police resistance upon reaching Education Bhaban at 3:05pm.
Demonstrators vowed to persist until their demands were met.
In response, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam announced a new intensive patrol programme, comprising the Rapid Action Battalion, Anti-Terrorism Unit, and Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
“This initiative will commence today and will be rigorously enforced,” he stated.
As the security situation remains volatile, public confidence in the government’s ability to restore stability continues to wane.
