Crime in Bangladesh reaches alarming heights in January

January has witnessed an unprecedented rise in criminal activities across Bangladesh, leaving the public in a state of fear and insecurity. 

The month saw a shocking surge in a variety of crimes, from armed robberies and shootings to horrific acts of violence, even in broad daylight.

One of the most alarming incidents took place in the capital’s Banasree area, where a gold trader was shot and hacked while returning home. 

His gold ornaments were snatched by the attackers, and the incident was caught on video, quickly spreading on social media and amplifying public panic. 

This is just one of many distressing events that have raised questions about the safety and security of the country.

While the government launched a special operation, "Devil Hunt," with the aim of curbing criminal activity, the crimes continue to escalate, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the law enforcement response. 

Despite the operation, which has led to the arrest of thousands of people, incidents of theft, murder, rape, and robbery show no sign of abating.

In January alone, a total of 294 people were murdered across the country. 

The month also saw 171 thefts, 71 robberies, and 105 abductions. 

Even more concerning, 1,440 cases of violence against women and children were reported. These figures highlight an alarming trend of rising crime.

Not only has the overall crime rate increased, but specific types of crime such as robbery and theft have surged. 

In January, 242 cases of theft and robbery were filed, a 69% increase compared to the same month last year. 

The rise in these crimes is especially striking when compared to December, where 230 cases were filed—representing a 70% increase compared to the previous year. 

Furthermore, the statistics from August to January show that the number of theft and robbery cases filed in the last six months has risen by 50%, with 1,145 cases recorded.

The "Devil Hunt" operation has resulted in the arrest of 9,253 people over the past 16 days, but even this intense effort has failed to stem the tide of criminal activities.

Moreover, reports from the police reveal that from January 1 to February 20 of this year, 758 individuals involved in snatching were arrested in 289 cases in the capital alone. 

However, 115 of those arrested have already been released on bail, with many offenders returning to crime shortly after. 

A case in point is the arrest of Faim Khan, who was detained on January 16 in connection with a robbery but was granted bail the very next day. 

The police have raised concerns that the quick release of criminals on bail is allowing them to continue their illegal activities.

Crime experts and police officers alike point to economic instability and the lack of employment opportunities as key factors driving this spike in crime.

The situation has reached a point where urgent action is required. To address these growing concerns, the Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, called for an emergency press conference at 3 AM. Later, a law and order meeting was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

After the meeting, the Home Affairs Adviser assured the public, saying, "We held this meeting with law enforcement to reassure the public. You will start noticing the change in the situation after sunset today."

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Baharul Alam, acknowledged the rising number of crimes, particularly at night, and announced new measures to address the situation. 

He revealed that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU), and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) would begin a widespread patrol operation in the capital starting from last night. 

"Let’s see if this improves the situation. If it doesn’t, we will consider other alternatives," he added.

With crime rates hitting new records, the authorities are under increasing pressure to restore public safety and curb the rising wave of lawlessness.