Nation on edge amid crime surge

Around 9:15 pm on 17 February, a group of armed attackers injured two women with machetes while they were on a rickshaw in Uttara's Sector 7. Since then, fear has spread in this upscale neighbourhood.

Previously, food carts would set up in the area every evening, keeping it lively until at least 11 pm. But now, all outsiders have been removed, and the main gate stays closed at all times. "Even with these measures, we spend our nights in constant fear," said Nur Izaz, a resident.

He added that theft and mugging are now common on nearby roads, flyovers and footbridges from Azampur to House Building, while Abdullahpur Bus Stand has turned into a crime hotspot. "If this isn't brought under control, our neighbourhood could face the same fate soon."

Ariful Islam, an autorickshaw driver, noted that while pickpocketing and theft occur across the capital, drug peddling has surged in Khilgaon. "Police seem to have little control over it. Drugs are easily available here," he said. As a result, many, especially young women, fear stepping out at night, lest they fall prey to the addicts.

Local shopkeepers and small business owners find themselves in double trouble — concerned about both their family's safety and their shop's security, said Makbul Hawlader, a jewelry shop owner in Malibagh.

"With everything going on, I fear burglars could break into my shop anytime. So, I've decided to stay back at night. A male relative stays with my family for their safety, but I remain on edge, always worrying about what might happen next," he said.

Marzana, manager of a cosmetics shop at Metro Mall in Dhanmondi, shared that the recent rise in robbery is taking a toll on their business and overall operations.

"We try to close early, though that still means leaving around 9 pm. Since most of our staff are women, we allow those from less secure areas to leave earlier. We also avoid carrying cash whenever possible," she said.

"But with Eid approaching, when we usually close around 11 pm, security is a major concern. We urge the government to take immediate action — we do not feel safe, and this must change," she added.

Law and order near Mirpur-10 is also rapidly worsening, with frequent muggings and robberies targeting locals.

A shopkeeper in Benarasi Palli expressed his frustration, saying, "Two days ago, robbers in a private car broke into four stores and two houses, looting valuables. One of the store owners, Rubel Mia, who has worked here for 28 years, said he had never seen anything like this before — and neither have we."

These concerns come on the heels of a series of events in the capital and across the country over the past few weeks. And it all reached a boiling point on the night of 23 February when a gold trader was shot and stabbed by unidentified assailants in front of his home in Banasree. 

"The public does not care about who is responsible — they simply want peace. It is the duty of the Home Ministry and law enforcement agencies to ensure their safety. So far, they have failed in this regard. If criminals are being identified based solely on political affiliation, the law and order situation will not improve. From top criminals to petty thieves, everyone contributes to crime." Dr Tawohidul Haque, crime analyst and associate professor, Institute of Social Welfare and Research, DU

Once video footage of the incident surfaced online, it triggered nationwide outrage and even brought Dhaka University students to the streets, demanding the swift resignation of the Home Advisor.

Muhammad Nayeem Ferdous, a Banasree resident and chairman of a property management company, had passed through the area just an hour before the attack. 

Calling the incident deeply concerning, he said, "The victim was carrying gold and money. I believe these criminals monitor and track people. I often visit bKash shops, and now I can't shake the feeling that someone might be following me too."

He noted that the entire community is experiencing a deep sense of insecurity. "Previously, the city remained active until 11 pm or even 12 am at night, but people have developed a mindset now not to stay outside after evening." 

On 19 February, two criminals were killed in a "gunfight" with joint forces in Mohammadpur during an anti-mugging operation, while in Uttara, locals caught two teenage gang members after a public knife attack. Crimes involving sharp weapons, including muggings and murders, are surging, with gangs causing terror through frequent violence, leading to nearly a hundred killings in recent months.

According to Police Headquarters, during the mass uprising on 5 August, various police stations across the country were attacked, and 5,750 weapons were looted. Law enforcement agencies have since recovered 4,366 weapons, but 1,384 remain in the hands of criminals and are likely being used in various crimes.

The situation outside the capital is equally grim. On the night of 17 February, a Unique Road Royals Transport bus left Gabtoli for Rajshahi. A few additional passengers boarded at Chandra in Gazipur, but soon after, a group of robbers — disguised as passengers — seized control of the vehicle. For nearly three hours, they terrorised the passengers, looting all valuables. Two female passengers were also subjected to sexual harassment.

Initially, the incident was brushed under the rug, but following public outrage on social media, a case was finally filed at Mirzapur Police Station in Tangail in the early hours of 21 February, naming 8–10 unidentified suspects.

The prevailing public perception is that rape and sexual assault against women have risen alarmingly in recent days. On 23 February, social media was flooded with claims that 17 rapes had occurred in just 48 hours. However, many argued that this figure only reflected reported cases, while countless others likely remained unreported.

Amid this nationwide deterioration in law and order, students from various public and private universities across Bangladesh staged protests, formed human chains, and blocked roads on 23 and 24 February, demanding security, justice for rape and violent crimes, and immediate action against rising criminal activities.

In response to mounting calls for his resignation, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury held a press briefing at the most unusual time possible: 3 am on 24 February. Dismissing the demands, he asserted that if he could improve the law and order situation, there would be no reason for him to resign. 

"Awami League supporters are doing everything to cause instability. They have looted vast sums of money and are now using it to destabilise the country," the adviser said, adding, "Our operations will continue through 'Devil Hunt.' We will ensure these criminals cannot sleep, sit or stand anywhere." 

However, Dr Tawohidul Haque, a crime analyst and associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, Dhaka University, questioned the effectiveness of the 'Devil Hunt' operation. He noted that the ongoing blame game was deepening public disappointment.

"The public does not care who is responsible — they simply want peace. It is the duty of the Home Ministry and law enforcement agencies to ensure their safety. So far, they have failed in this regard," he said.

He also raised concerns about the selection criteria for arrests under 'Devil Hunt.' "If criminals are being identified based solely on political affiliation, the law and order situation will not improve. From top criminals to petty thieves, everyone contributes to crime. Law enforcement must act more proactively and bring everyone to book." 

The recent release of high-profile criminals from prison has also exacerbated the problem. 

"These criminals often have political connections, which they use to continue their activities. Political leaders also use them for their own interests. The mass release of such individuals in recent months is making the situation even more challenging," Dr Haque added.

Meanwhile, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nurul Huda criticised the authorities saying, "Preventive measures are not being implemented properly. Criminal intelligence is also not functioning effectively."

According to him, not all crimes, such as murder, can always be prevented, as it is impossible for the intelligence to always know who is conspiring to kill whom. "But authorities can certainly focus more on the organised mob crimes nationwide, and the specific areas with high crime rates. However, the law enforcement agencies are failing to do so too."

He added that it is now up to the public whether to give the home affairs adviser the benefit of the doubt for the time being and rely on his fresh assurances, or question why such incidents continue despite his previous assurances that they would be curbed.

On 24 February, while talking to reporters, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said that there is no reason to deny that the interim government has failures and the country's law and order situation is such that it cannot afford complacency.

"However, we are making efforts, engaging in self-reflection, and striving intensely to overcome these failures. Each failure is met with strong efforts and determination," he added.

Assistant Inspector General Enamul Haque Sagar, spokesperson of the Police Headquarters, said that while crime patterns and frequency may vary due to different factors, whenever a crime occurs, the police are actively investigating and working to bring perpetrators to justice.

"In particular, efforts to curb snatching, theft and robbery in the capital and across the country have been intensified. Preventive measures, including increased patrols and checkpoints in strategic locations, have been implemented. The Bangladesh Police remains committed to ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order," he also added.  

(TBS journalists Alhan Arsal, Anonno Afroz, Ariful Hasan Shuvo, Ashraful Haque, Kamrun Naher, Masum Billah, Nusmila Lohani, and Shadique Mahbub Islam contributed to this piece).