The law and order situation in Bangladesh is alarmingly deteriorating. According to data from the Police Headquarters, the country is witnessing an average of 11 murders per day, sparking widespread fear and insecurity among the public. Murders are increasing due to political violence, extortion, muggings, robberies, and domestic disputes. Public outrage and concern are widely expressed on social media.
The Police Headquarters compiles crime statistics based on murder cases filed at various police stations across the country. According to their statistics, 1,930 people were murdered nationwide from January to June 2025. The breakdown is as follows:
January: 294 murders
February: 300 murders
March: 316 murders
April: 336 murders
May: 341 murders
June: 343 murders (the highest so far this year)
The trend shows a steady monthly increase in homicides.
The most murders are occurring in the Dhaka Metropolitan, Dhaka Range, and Chattogram Range areas. Many of the killings are linked to extortion and power struggles, with the recent murder of scrap dealer Sohag in Old Dhaka being a notable example. Various political organizations have protested this murder through rallies and gatherings.
Speaking to the media, Additional Commissioner (Crime & Operations) of DMP, S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam, stated:
“The Mitford incident reflects extreme brutality. A criminal has no political identity — his identity is solely that he is a criminal. No one will be spared. Action will be taken under the prevailing laws.”
In addition to murder, significant numbers of robberies, muggings, and cases of violence against women and children, including abductions, are also being reported across the country.
According to Police Headquarters:
366 robberies occurred from January to June, with 74 cases in February alone.
11,008 incidents of violence against women and children took place in this period, with the highest number recorded in April.
Human rights activist and Police Reform Commission member ASM Nasir Uddin Elan said the government must take a tougher stance against criminals:
“A wave of political hooliganism has emerged, overshadowing the achievements of the July Movement. This tension has created a chaotic situation. The government must act firmly against criminals, regardless of political affiliation, or law and order will remain out of control.”
Just two days after Sohag’s murder, on July 11, Mahbubur Rahman Molla, former vice-president of Daultpur Thana Jubo Dal in Khulna, was shot and had his leg tendons severed by miscreants. Police suspect the motive was a local turf war.
Deputy Commissioner (North) of Khulna Metropolitan Police, Md. Tajul Islam, said:
“Preliminary investigations indicate the murder stemmed from a power struggle in the area.”
Yunus Government Fails to Maintain Law and Order
The dramatic rise in violent crime has raised serious questions about the capacity and effectiveness of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Despite being nearly a year into power, the Yunus administration has failed to restore public security or establish stability across the country. Critics argue that the interim government’s lack of grassroots control, poor coordination with law enforcement agencies, and a hands-off approach to political unrest have allowed criminal networks to flourish.
Former IGP Nur Mohammad expressed concern about the growing unrest:
“Everyone—from politicians to intellectuals—agrees that political culture plays a significant role. During the four previous caretaker governments, law and order was under control. But under the current interim government, the situation is spiraling. Without a democratically elected government, restoring order seems impossible.”
Analysts say the Yunus government’s failure to take decisive action against politically affiliated criminals has further emboldened violent actors. Without clear policy direction or political will, law enforcement agencies remain overstretched and under pressure. Many are now calling for urgent national elections to replace the unelected interim administration with a representative government capable of stabilizing the country.
AIG (Media & Public Relations) of Police Headquarters, Enamul Haque Sagar, commented:
“The police are working sincerely to prevent crime and take swift action when incidents occur. In recent cases, the actual criminals were brought to justice quickly. We leave no room for leniency. However, social and family instability must also be addressed. Citizens must cooperate with the police instead of taking matters into their own hands.”
