Crime surges in Bagerhat; 23 killed, 21 raped in seven months

The law and order situation in Bagerhat has worsened over the past seven months, with the south-western district recording 23 murders and 21 rapes until February, reflecting the countrywide trend.

In addition to murdering and raping, the incidents of piracy occurred 17 times, two robberies while a case involving mugging was registered during the same period starting from the last year's August.

Many people were injured in clashes and counter-clashes over establishing dominance and political issues following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last.

During the period, incidents of vandalism, arson attacks and occupying lands were reported.

But Superintendent of Police Md Towhidul Arif claimed that the law and order was improving gradually as engagement of law enforcers has increased in reining in disorder.

According to the district police office, six murders, one each robbery, rape and piracy were committed in August, one murder, four rapes and two piracies in September, four murders, six rapes and one piracy in October, seven murders, three rapes and one piracy in November, one murder, three rapes, one robbery, and two piracies in December, two murders, one rape in January, and two murders, three rapes and two piracies in February.

Of them, the last October witnessed the highest number of six rapes and seven murders in November.

Political leaders, some professionals and housewives had been the victims of killings during the period.

Pointing to a number of initiatives taken by the district police to address the worsening law and order situation, police official Towhidul said they were working to improve the law and order in the district.

Activities, including drives, patrolling, setting up checkposts, and random search have been increased along with vigilance by the intelligence, he said.

The police super said they record cases after any crime is committed and launch operations to nab the accused, showing an improvement in the law and order situation.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ahmed Kamrul Hasan told UNB that they are in touch with the law enforcement agencies constantly to maintain law and order.

The district's law and order committee holds a meeting every month to evaluate the overall situation and stresses the need for improving the deteriorating issues, the DC said.

Magistrates and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) are directed to actively work in ensuring public safety, Ahmed Kamrul added.

Expressing concern over the current situation of the country, the district's civil society member, Prof Chowdhury Abdur Rauf, suggested the government take immediate measures to stop the ongoing anarchy.

He urged the government to consider alternative ways to prosecute the accused, bypassing the existing law, fearing that the situation may further worsen if the government fails to tackle it.

Prof Rauf observed that the situation might improve if the rights of all citizens are protected everywhere.