The law and order situation remains alarmingly volatile, with an incessant surge in murders, rapes, muggings, thefts, and robberies causing grave public concern.
Simultaneously, mob violence and so-called vigilante justice incidents have exacerbated the growing unease among citizens.
With the Eid-ul-Fitr festivities approaching, fears of security disruptions have intensified.
The prevailing law and order crisis, coupled with heightened criminal activity during the festive season, has posed a formidable challenge for law enforcement agencies.
During a meeting with senior police officials on Monday (18 March), Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus underscored the indispensability of the police force, asserting that state progress is unattainable without the police and that a nation cannot be built while disregarding law enforcement agencies.
Crime analysts observe that professional criminals become particularly active around Eid, engaging in theft, robbery, mugging, and fraudulence through gangs like "Ogyan Party", "Molom Party" and counterfeit currency syndicates.
Exploiting the ongoing fragile security situation, these criminal networks could escalate their activities, deepening public apprehension.
The pertinent question now is how law enforcement agencies will navigate this precarious situation.
Senior police officials, however, have assured the press that adequate security measures are in place.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam told the media, "The deteriorated law and order situation has seen some improvement, and we expect it to stabilise further in the coming days. All units of the Bangladesh Police are working towards this goal".
He further stated that stringent action would be taken against those perpetrating mob violence and other grievous crimes.
He emphasised that with Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, police remain vigilant, and field-level officers have been instructed to ensure maximum law enforcement within legal boundaries.
Analysis indicates that police officers themselves have increasingly fallen victim to mob attacks.
According to Police Headquarters data, over 230 assaults on police personnel have occurred in the last six months while on duty.
On Tuesday night (19 March), in Khilkhet, Dhaka, a teenager accused of raping a minor was severely beaten by a mob.
When the police intervened to control the situation, they too faced attacks from enraged locals.
In Joypurhat’s Khetlal, a mob stormed the local police station, physically assaulted officers, and attempted to free three detainees. The army was deployed to subdue the situation, using batons to restore order.
Given these circumstances, ensuring security during Eid has now become a pressing issue.
The focus remains on Dhaka city and major highways, where crime rates have alarmed authorities. Highway robberies, in particular, have drawn government concern.
To bolster security during Eid, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has recruited 426 auxiliary police personnel to assist in safeguarding residential areas, commercial establishments, and shopping malls.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman informed the press that comprehensive security measures had been undertaken to ensure a safe and festive environment for Eid celebrations.
He further urged Dhaka residents to reinforce their security by:
Strengthening residential and institutional security personnel and maintaining 24-hour surveillance.
Locking doors and windows securely before leaving homes or establishments, using multiple locks if necessary.
Installing CCTV cameras and ensuring their proper functionality.
Utilising auto-lock and security alarm-equipped padlocks on main entrances.
Keeping residences and surroundings well-lit at night.
Highway Police DIG (Operations) Md Shafiqul Islam outlined the measures taken to maintain order and safety on the highways during Eid.
Given that traffic congestion is a prime concern, authorities have identified and addressed road conditions, including potholes and encroachments, to prevent gridlocks.
To fortify highway security:
- 2,900 highway police officers have been deployed.
- An additional 700 personnel from other police units have been assigned for Eid duty.
- Enhanced patrols have been introduced, resulting in a significant reduction in recent highway robberies.
- A specialised mobile application has been launched to facilitate real-time crime tracking and rapid response.
- Authorities are optimistic that these measures will ensure a smooth and secure Eid travel experience.
Commenting on the current law and order situation, former Inspector General of Police Muhammad Nurul Huda emphasised the necessity of proactive measures:
- Increased patrolling and intelligence gathering are crucial.
- Law enforcement presence must be enhanced at shopping malls, commercial areas, and markets.
- Police visibility is essential to deter criminal activity.
As Eid approaches, law enforcement agencies face an immense challenge in managing rising crime rates, mob attacks, and highway security.
While authorities assure heightened vigilance, whether these measures will be sufficient to ensure a safe and joyous Eid remains to be seen.
