Dhaka – Killings and violent attacks have increased across Bangladesh amid the growing influence of drugs, illegal firearms and extortion, according to police data and investigations into recent crimes.
Police investigations indicate that drugs have emerged as a major factor behind a number of violent incidents, while the use of illegal firearms in killings has also increased. Extortion-related threats and attacks have also become more frequent.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has instructed law enforcement agencies to take strict action against drug dealers, illegal arms holders and extortionists.
More than 2,000 killings in seven months
According to data from the Police Headquarters, 2,073 murder cases were recorded across the country between January and July. Nearly 300 people were killed each month during the period.
The number of reported killings stood at 297 in January, 250 in February, 317 in March, 288 in April, 310 in May, 323 in June and 298 in July.
During May-July, an average of about 311 people were killed each month.
Police data also show that July saw 113 cases involving robbery and snatching, 72 kidnapping cases, 2,336 cases of violence against women and children, and 287 theft cases.
Drugs linked to deadly violence
Police and other sources say at least 30 people were killed in drug-related incidents in July alone, while attempts were made to kill another five people.
In 13 drug-related killings during the month, three fathers and two mothers were reportedly killed by their drug-addicted sons.
Police say many young people become involved in snatching, robbery, extortion, kidnapping and murder to obtain money to buy drugs.
Law enforcement agencies estimate that around 8.2 million people in Bangladesh currently use drugs in some form, accounting for approximately 4.88 percent of the population, with young people making up a significant proportion.
Recent cases include several incidents in which drug-dependent sons allegedly killed their parents over money for drugs.
Illegal firearms behind rising violence
The use of illegal firearms has also become a growing concern. At least 110 shooting incidents were reported across the country during the first seven months of the year.
Dhaka recorded 13 shooting incidents, leaving six people dead and nine injured. Khulna recorded the highest number, with 37 shooting incidents during the period.
The recent shooting deaths of two people in Khulna’s Labanchara and the public killing of Jubo Dal leader Masudul Haque Chowdhury in Raozan, Chattogram, have further highlighted concerns over the availability and use of illegal firearms.
Extortion and criminal networks
Police say drug trafficking, illegal weapons and extortion are increasingly interconnected with violent crime.
In a recent incident in Dhaka, a doctor was allegedly abducted from a roadside, blindfolded and restrained before being tortured for more than an hour and released after a ransom was paid. Police said those involved were linked to drug trafficking and used illegal firearms in criminal activities.
On August 17, ENT specialist Dr Asaduzzaman Rahman, head of the ENT department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, was allegedly attacked after refusing to pay extortion money. Police said the alleged extortionists were involved in drugs and possessed illegal weapons.
Dhaka, Chattogram lead in killings
Police Headquarters data show that the Dhaka Range recorded the highest number of killings during the first seven months of the year, followed by the Chattogram Range.
Police officials say they are working to contain the deteriorating law-and-order situation and emphasize political neutrality and professionalism in policing.
Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir said police were working to maintain law and order and that the force’s identity was to serve the law and the people regardless of political affiliation.
Political and mob violence
A seven-month report by the Human Rights Support Society Foundation (HRSSF) said 62 people were killed and 5,246 injured in political violence during the period.
The report also recorded 133 deaths and 256 injuries in mob violence. In July alone, six people were killed and 164 injured in political violence, while 17 were killed and 51 injured in mob violence.
The figures point to a broader pattern of violence involving drugs, illegal firearms, extortion, political conflict and other criminal activities, raising concerns over public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement measures.
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