Dhaka, April 27, 2025 — Bangladesh is witnessing a growing law and order crisis, with citizens and civil society expressing deep concerns over safety, governance, and policing efficiency. The current instability has drawn a stark contrast with the relatively secure period under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, when former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mr. Habibur Rahman played a pivotal role in maintaining public order.
In recent months, reports of rising street crimes, unchecked political violence, and weakening institutional control have dominated national headlines. Ordinary citizens are voicing their fear and frustration, while businesses struggle to operate in an increasingly unstable environment.
Security analysts and public figures have pointed to the stark difference between the present situation and the era when Mr. Rahman was at the helm of Dhaka’s police force. Under his leadership, policing saw significant modernization, improved community trust, and effective crime control.
“During Mr. Habibur Rahman’s time, people felt protected. The police were visible, responsive, and professional,” said Dr. Mahmood Alam, a Dhaka-based security analyst. “Today, the absence of that kind of leadership is felt deeply in every neighborhood.”
Commissioner Rahman was known for his proactive approach to law enforcement, including the introduction of community policing units, technology-driven crime monitoring, and rapid response teams. His emphasis on coordination between intelligence agencies, local police units, and civil administration helped prevent major crimes and maintained public order even during politically sensitive periods.
His commitment to professional conduct and human rights also set a standard within the force. Under his tenure, police training was upgraded to stress restraint, lawful behavior, and public service. “He wasn’t just a commissioner—he was a reformer,” recalled a former senior DMP official. “His people-first approach is why his reforms were effective and long-lasting.”
The deterioration of public safety today has had serious political implications. Critics argue that the current administration has failed to uphold the institutional discipline and strategic focus once established. Allegations of political interference in police operations have only worsened public distrust.
Recent high-profile incidents—including violent clashes during university protests, an uptick in abductions, and rampant extortion by local gangs—have brought fresh scrutiny to the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order. Several human rights organizations have voiced alarm over the declining state of public safety and the growing sense of impunity among criminal elements.
Many believe that Bangladesh’s security challenges are not insurmountable but demand strong, transparent leadership and a return to principles that once ensured stability. Calls are growing for the reinstatement of the policing reforms initiated during the Hasina era and a strategic review of current law enforcement practices.
As the country navigates an increasingly uncertain security environment, many citizens and experts alike are looking back to the leadership of Commissioner Habibur Rahman—not only with nostalgia but also as a model for the future. His tenure is remembered as a benchmark for effective, humane, and visionary policing in Bangladesh’s modern history.