A total of 288 people were murdered across the 10 districts of Khulna division between January and October this year, while 302 women and children were raped, according to police statistics.
Jashore recorded the highest number of murders, with 61 cases, followed by Bagerhat with 40 and Kushtia with 39. Khulna district ranked fourth, reporting 36 murders during the period.
The figures were released by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police’s office in Khulna Range on Saturday (November 14).
However, the statistics do not include 36 additional murders reported over the past 10 months in the eight police stations under Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP), as KMP does not fall under the jurisdiction of Khulna Range Police, according to district police.
The remaining murder cases were recorded in Jhenaidah (29), Narail (22), Satkhira (21), Chuadanga (17), Magura (15) and Meherpur (eight).
Two Men Found Shot Dead in Khulna, Gunshot Wounds to Forehead and Chin
978 Women and Children Face Violence
During the same 10-month period, 978 women and children experienced different forms of violence, including 215 children. A total of 302 women and children were raped, among them 93 children, police data showed.
Police said cases had been filed in connection with the incidents and several suspects had been arrested.
125 Firearms and 224 Rounds of Ammunition Recovered
Police also recovered 125 firearms and 224 rounds of ammunition during the period.
The seized weapons included 27 foreign-made pistols, five locally made pistols, five locally made revolvers, four foreign-made revolvers, 43 one-shooter guns, 14 pipe guns, five air guns, one double-barrel shotgun, 20 other firearms and one weapon classified under other categories.
Extortion and Robbery Fuel Public Concerns
Police officials said public concerns over law and order differed across the division’s districts.
In Bagerhat, people carrying money reportedly face frequent robberies, with several high-profile incidents reported over the past two months. In Khulna, extortion has allegedly forced business owners to shut down their establishments, while some have left their localities.
According to the report, 11 doctors have left the country so far this year over threats from extortionists. They reportedly faced demands for as much as Tk 1 crore to Tk 2 crore.
Shootings and killings have also been reported near the boundaries of different police station jurisdictions in Khulna. Criminals allegedly exploit these jurisdictional boundaries to escape after carrying out attacks.
In Bagerhat, bodies of men and women wrapped in sacks have been found in isolated areas near police station boundaries. Most recently, a young woman’s body was recovered in a sack in Rampal on November 13.
Police Pledge Stronger Investigations and Crackdown
Asif Iqbal, additional superintendent of police and media focal person at the Khulna Range DIG office, told Bangla Tribune that Jashore had the highest number of murders in the division, despite Khulna receiving greater public attention and criticism.
He said regular meetings were being held by range police, where investigating officers were instructed to ensure the highest standards in preparing investigation reports.
He added that weak investigations could allow suspects to secure bail quickly and return to criminal activities.
Police operations to arrest suspected criminals are continuing, he said.
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