[🇧🇩] The Home Adviser and the Law and Order Situation in Bangladesh

[Saif]

No let-up in mob violence

Mob violence goes unabated in the country with no sign of let-up in immediate future as in latest incidents at least one man was lynched to death and three others beaten up on suspicion of being muggers in Dhaka, Gazipur and Sylhet on Tuesday night...

www.newagebd.net

No let-up in mob violence
Prattayee Chakma 27 February, 2025, 00:09

Mob violence goes unabated in the country with no sign of let-up in immediate future as in latest incidents at least one man was lynched to death and three others beaten up on suspicion of being muggers in Dhaka, Gazipur and Sylhet on Tuesday night.

Rights activists expressed their concern over growing crimes, including mob violence, putting down the situation to the breakdown in the rule of law.

They stressed the need for urgent government action to improve law and order.

Calling the current law and order situation an emergency one, rights activist and former executive director of Ain o Salish Kendra Faruq Faisel said that the interim government seemed completely unconcerned about it.

‘No strict action came from the government,’ he said, adding that people had expected much more than this from it.

Earlier on Wednesday, home affairs adviser retired lieutenant general Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in a programme called on the public not to take law into their own hands.

In Gazipur’s Tongi, a youth was beaten to death on suspicion of being a mugger at Mashimpur area on Tuesday night.

The police are yet to identify the deceased.

Tongi East police officer-in-charge Faridul Islam told New Age that the incident occurred near Tongi Station Road at about 7:30pm when a mob caught the youth and fatally beat him while he was allegedly trying to snatch a phone.

The police on information reached the spot and took him in an unconscious state to hospital where doctors pronounced him brought dead, he said

Rights body Ain o Salish Kendra in its monthly updates revealed that at least 112 people were beaten to death in the past six months from August 2024 to January 2025 with at least 16 recorded in the first month of this year.

The ASK yearly report revealed that 128 people were beaten to death in 2024, 51 in 2023, 36 in 2022, 28 in 2021, and 35 in 2020.

Activists observe that weak criminal justice system, impunity for law enforcement agencies and a lack of public confidence in law enforcement institutions are the prime reasons for the public to take the law into their own hands.

‘The public is growingly inclined towards creating mob violence as there is no strict action visible from the government,’ said human rights activist and Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance member Nur Khan Liton.

He said that people would completely lose their growingly eroding trust in the interim government if it failed to take strict measures right at the moment to improve law and order.

A video showing people beating up two youths and later hanging them upside down from a footbridge went viral on social media on Tuesday night.

Confirming the matter, additional deputy commissioner for Uttara Division Ahammad Ali told New Age on Wednesday that the incident occurred at about 9:00pm on Tuesday near BNS Centre in the capital’s Uttara.

The mob, suspecting them as muggers, hung them upside down on the footbridge, beat them up and then handed them over to the police.

‘One of the injured is admitted at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and another is in our custody,’ he said, adding that they were investigating to determine whether the two were actually involved in mugging.

Meanwhile, a mob beat a man named Sharif Ahmed, 30, while he was allegedly snatching a mobile phone in Sylhet on Tuesday night, New Age staff correspondent in Sylhet reported, quoting Biman Bandar police sub-inspector Prananjit Mandal.

The SI said that the stolen mobile phone and a knife were recovered from him.

Enamul Haque Sagor, assistant inspector general of police for media and public relations posted at the Police

Headquarters, told New Age that the force increased patrols and check posts across the country to prevent crimes, including mob violence.

‘We urge people to hand over the suspects to the police and not to take the law in their own hands. Otherwise they will also have to face punishment for their actions,’ he added.​

 

[Saif]

Concern about law and order

The very night combined patrol teams were deployed across the country and a similar drive by three specialised units of the police was launched in the capital against robbery, mugging and other crimes following a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the secretariat on Monday, there was

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Concern about law and order
FE
Published :
Feb 26, 2025 23:36
Updated :
Feb 26, 2025 23:36

The very night combined patrol teams were deployed across the country and a similar drive by three specialised units of the police was launched in the capital against robbery, mugging and other crimes following a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the secretariat on Monday, there was surprisinly no letup in such criminal incidents. On that night, Gazipur became a witness to the killing of an auto-rickshaw driver before snatching way of his vehicle and stabbing of a shoe trader while Tk70,000 was looted from him by muggers in the capital's Wari area. Next day brought the chilling news of stabbing to death of a mother in front of her daughter while they were returning from the latter's coaching class. Early at dawn the same day, robbers stopped four buses on a school study tour from Mymensingh's Fulbaria to Natore on Ghatail-Tangail Road by creating a barricade with logs to rob students, teachers and guardians.

Before all these criminal acts committed on Monday night and Tuesday, right at the time the vigilance was supposed to be at its most intense, there had been a sharp rise in the incidence of similar crimes including a robbery on a running bus in which women passengers were also sexually harassed, if not raped. Protests and outcries against the rising incidents of mugging, robbery, rape and murder ---evidently a steep deterioration of law and order situation---actually prompted the authorities to launch combined and coordinated drives in order to arrest the slide in social security and the widespread public apprehension. Students protesting the precipitous decline in social security held the Home Affairs Adviser responsible and demanded his resignation within 24 hours. Strangely, the adviser, emerging out of the core committee meeting, disappointed the nation by commenting, "I would say the law and order situation is satisfactory". He went further, "Minor incidents" always occur. Such statements sound like those of the people in power of the deposed regime. This is not expected of the man at the helm of home affairs under the interim government. There is no way of trivialising as serious a matter as the constant threat to lives of the citizens both at home and outside of it.

Not only his statement but also the two days' incidents of mugging and stabbing along with robbery are sure to send a wrong message to the public. If the first night's deployment of specialised units of the police ---the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Anti-terrorism Unit --- on top of the Operation Devil Hunt, fails to have a deterrent effect on the criminal acts, it will strike further terror in the hearts of the people. Turning a blind eye by the administration to the rampant anarchy that was let loose by certain quarters in recent times is now reaping its poisonous harvest. Anti-social elements felt emboldened by the unrestrained aggression to go about their heinous business.

Clearly, the elite forces must strike fast. The army is also on patrol duty. Therefore some discerning results of their combined and coordinated campaign against the criminals on the prowl should be on public display. As many members of the criminal gangs as possible must be holed out of their dens and put behind bars. The operation should continue as long as law and order situation improves to a level where security of life at home, business outlets, on roads or in public places is ensured.​

 

[Saif]

Why is this surge in crimes?

In recent times some dreadful crimes such as robbery, rent-seeking, mugging, and sexual assault against women and minor girls have been reported with chilling frequency. In Mithapukur, Rangpur, a fourth-grade student was raped while collecting flowers to pay tribute at the Shaheed Minar on 21st Feb

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Why is this surge in crimes?
Atiqul Kabir Tuhin
Published :
Feb 26, 2025 23:31
Updated :
Feb 26, 2025 23:31

In recent times some dreadful crimes such as robbery, rent-seeking, mugging, and sexual assault against women and minor girls have been reported with chilling frequency. In Mithapukur, Rangpur, a fourth-grade student was raped while collecting flowers to pay tribute at the Shaheed Minar on 21st February. The following day, a young woman was gang-raped in a moving bus in Ashulia. In Dhaka, muggers and bands of other criminals now reign supreme, particularly at night, while gangs of teenagers roam the streets in a state of reckless bravado. Snatching and hijacking at gunpoint are taking place on a daily basis in the capital and on its outskirts. On Sunday night, a gold trader was shot and robbed of 200 bhoris of gold and Tk. one lakh in the capital's Banasree area. On the same night in the Dhanmondi area, muggers were captured on video hacking women on a rickshaw with sharp weapons and snatching their valuables. The video footage of these incidents spread rapidly across social media. Amidst the sharp decline in law and order in the country, the sense of insecurity among city dwellers has intensified. Everyone is aghast. Why this surge in brutality, why are such crimes being perpetrated almost every day? What has gone wrong? What ails society?

How alarming the slide in law and order has turned can be seen from police statistics, which show that 242 cases were filed nationwide in January, which is 69 per cent higher than last year's record in the same month. In December, 230 cases were recorded an increase of 70 per cent from the previous year. Over the six-month period from August to January, a total of 1,145 cases were filed, marking a 50 per cent rise compared to the same period from August 2023 to January 2024. Obviously, the number of incidents that went unnoticed will overwhelm the statistics, as many such incidents go unreported as the victims often do not lodge complaints with police. Now, the pertinent question is - what are the members of the law enforcing agencies doing?

Laxity on the part of the law enforcing agencies has been blamed for this dangerous slide in law and order. What else can happen when law enforcing agencies are either unable or unenthusiastic about fighting crimes?

People have their own views. Some blame the police force's sluggish approach, others point fingers at the forces loyal to the ousted regime, while some criticise Home Adviser's inefficiency. Amidst all this, calls for the home adviser's resignation are growing louder.

In an attempt to defend himself, the adviser held a surpising "emergency press conference" at 3 a.m. on Sunday. Journalists and top law enforcement officials were summoned, and newsrooms were put on high alert at this unprecedented event. What he eventually said was nothing new. So, the question is - what prompted him to hold a press conference in the wee hours of the night only to repeat what he had been saying before?

As part of its ongoing "Operation Devil Hunt," which began on February 8, the government arrested 9,253 people as of Monday. Yet, crime continues unabated. It gives rise to a paramount question - who are the targets of this operation?

Criminal tendency grows out of the current social surroundings characterised by mobs running amok and creating anarchic situation. These acts of lawlessness are committed with complete impunity. It is no surprise that criminals are emboldened when the fundamental principles of law and order are disregarded.

Another obvious reason behind the latest surge in crimes is the widespread job loss resulting from political upheaval and economic downturn. Recent arrests have revealed that some ordinary citizens have turned into criminal gangs after losing employment due to political and industrial unrest. Furthermore, there is a worrying trend that known high-profile criminals are securing bail by claiming that they were jailed during the ousted AL regime in political consideration. According to media reports, at least 50 high-profile criminals and militants have walked out of jail on bail after the fall of Hasina-led government on August 5. Worse still, a significant number of weapons and massive quantities of ammunition that were looted from police custody during the August 5 upheaval have not been recovered. It is feared that the majority of the lost arms and ammunition have fallen into the hands of criminals. Without apprehending the fugitives and miscreants, recovering the missing weapons, and addressing the root causes of escalating crime, simply denying the reality by saying that law and order has improved will be futile.

The rise in crimes is not just a question of safety and security in society; it has several other implications as well. Desperate activities of the criminals may not only wreak havoc on the lives of individuals but also impede growth of trade and commerce and even obstruct investment. It was not without reason that both foreign and local investments significantly went on a nosedive in recent months as crimes like extortion surged. To arrest the rising trend of crimes, the government should concentrate more on fighting crimes, targeting criminals regardless of their political affiliations, and taking decisive action to end mob rule. We live not in a bandit kingdom but in a modern polity with a revolutionary government in place. None should be allowed to make a mockery of the rule of law.​

 

[Saif]

Law and order situation: Political parties must act responsibly

It must be acknowledged that the government’s previous measures to curb crime were not adequate

en.prothomalo.com

Law and order situation: Political parties must act responsibly
Editorial Desk
Updated: 26 Feb 2025, 16: 19

It must be acknowledged that the government’s previous measures to curb crime were not adequate. Even the much discussed ‘Operation Devil Hunt’, launched against criminal activities, has failed to convey any positive result in the past weeks.

For a considerable period, Adviser of Home Affairs Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has been asserting that the law and order situation is satisfactory. However, this claim does not align with reality. A Daily Star report, citing police sources, presents a comparative analysis of crime statistics from 2020 to January 2025.

The data reveals that in January 2024, there were 39 incidents of robbery, whereas in January 2025, the number increased to 71. In the same month, incidents of mugging rose from 114 in 2024 to 171 in 2025. The number of murder recorded in January 2024 was 231, which escalated to 294 in January 2025. Additionally, cases of abduction surged from 51 in January 2024 to 105 in January 2025.

It is essential to state that none of the aforementioned data is credible. In a country with a population of 170 million, if crime rates were truly this low, public safety would not be a concern, nor would there be a need for such extensive operations. The primary reason for the low number of reported cases is the public’s lack of trust in the police and judicial system.

Many believe that approaching law enforcement will yield little benefit. Furthermore, individuals attempting to file cases at police stations often face various forms of harassment. Numerous victims have reported that when they tried to lodge complaints about incidents of mugging, the officers on duty refused to register the case, insisting that the incident be recorded as theft instead. This is because police officers receive rewards for fewer registered cases and reprimanded if the numbers are high. Given this system, why would officers willingly subject themselves to reprimand?

The argument that the police remained inactive following the political transition is no longer valid, given that the government has now been in power for six and a half months. Besides the police, several other forces are also engaged in maintaining law and order. Members of the armed forces, vested with judicial authority, are actively involved in law enforcement duties. Despite these measures, why do incidents of murder, robbery, mugging, and violence against women continue to rise?

Since last Monday evening, joint patrol has been initiated by the police, army, BGB and the Navy. Several checkpoints have been set up in various locations across Dhaka city. Earlier on Monday afternoon, during a press conference, the Adviser of Home Affairs stated, "You will notice the situation improving after the evening."

Prior to this, a meeting of the government’s Law and Order Core Committee took place at the Secretariat. It is necessary to clarify whether this search operation will be confined to Dhaka or extended to other parts of the country. If an operation is limited to specific areas, it is unrealistic to expect an overall improvement in law and order.

Maintaining law and order is such a complex task that it cannot solely depend on the goodwill of the Adviser of Home Affairs. All members of the forces engaged in this work must perform their duties with integrity, diligence and competence. Political parties also bear significant responsibility for the deterioration in the law and order situation. There are numerous allegations of extortion and land-grabbing against political leaders and activists. Despite expulsions from the party, the situation has not improved. This has created an opportunity for common criminals to take advantage. In this context, political parties must play a responsible role.

The government has proposed enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to apprehend criminals. These measures are perceived as positive steps. However, if the Adviser of Home Affairs becomes complacent even before the operation begins, the likelihood of improvement of situation diminishes. Conversely, if crime control is approached as a duty, there is a greater chance of positive outcomes.​

 

[Saif]

Three crude bombs found near BNP’s rally venue in B'baria

Police recovered three crude bombs near the venue of a BNP rally scheduled for tomorrow in Brahmanbaria’s Ashuganj upazila

www.thedailystar.net

Three crude bombs found near BNP’s rally venue in B'baria

Photo: Collected

Police recovered three crude bombs near the venue of a BNP rally scheduled for tomorrow in Brahmanbaria's Ashuganj upazila.

BNP's Assistant International Affairs Secretary, Rumeen Farhana, is set to attend as the chief guest, party sources said.

Jatiya Swechchhasebak Dal's Ashuganj unit is organising the rally to promote the party's 31-point state reform agenda.

Locals spotted the crude bombs at Araisidha Abdul Kadir Bhuiyan High School's playground this morning and alerted the police. The discovery created tension in the area.

Meanwhile, a rival BNP faction, led by Ashuganj Upazila BNP President Shahjahan Siraj, has announced a counter-rally at the same venue on the same day, further escalating tensions.

Upon receiving the information, police arrived and recovered the explosives.

Ashuganj Police Station Sub-Inspector (SI) Md Mostakim Patwari said the bombs were found abandoned.

"We are investigating whether this was an attempt to create panic ahead of Rumeen Farhana's rally," he added.

Speaking to this correspondent, Barrister Rumeen Farhana said, "The discovery of these explosives is nothing but dirty politics. They fear my popularity. Those who lack public acceptance and cannot survive in clean politics are resorting to such tactics."​

 

[Saif]

Combing operating: No criminal should get away

Improving law and order is essential to ensuring the safety to citizens and their property, as well as keeping the economy running smoothly.

en.prothomalo.com

Combing operating: No criminal should get away
Editorial Desk
Published: 01 Mar 2025, 13: 48

The joint forces on the night of 25 February launched a combing operation against criminals in Dhaka. Adviser of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that afternoon, “You will understand the situation after dusk.” There may be debate regarding whether law and order has improved over the last few days, but it can be asserted with certainty that the situation has not worsened. According to words of the home adviser, the criminals have, to some extent, felt the impact.

According to reports from Prothom Alo, citing the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), 793 individuals have been arrested in the capital as part of the ongoing operation. During this period, DMP set up 65 checkpoints and deployed 550 patrol teams. As part of Operation Devil Hunt, which started on 8 February, more than 11,000 individuals have been arrested over the past 19 days.

Since the start of the operation, DMP has been providing daily updates. Prior to this, the home adviser set a precedent by holding a press conference at early hours of 3:00 AM. Subsequently, adviser Asif Mahmud also briefed journalists at night, providing updates on the law and order situation.

Although there had been no significant visible improvement in law and order in recent days, incidents of mugging and robbery have decreased. The criminals who once instilled fear in neighbourhoods are now living in fear themselves. Many are fleeing. The duty of law enforcement agencies is to track them down, regardless of where they attempt to hide and bring them to justice.

The holy month of Ramadan is approaching. During this period, movement at night is expected to increase due to shopping, iftar gatherings and sehri preparations. Consequently, the risk of mugging, robbery and theft will also rise.in this context, night-time operations must be intensified during Ramadan.

One crucial point must be emphasised. The success of the operation cannot be measured solely by the number of criminals been caught. Those who remain at large must also be tracked down. No area should be left unchecked, intensifying operations in some locations while relaxing in others. If coordinated operations are conducted nationwide, criminals will inevitably be brought to justice.

In the past, such operations have failed due to political interference. On several occasions, individuals arrested as criminals were later found to be affiliated with the ruling party, leading to their release through the exertion of influence. However, as the current government is entirely apolitical, it should have no vested interest in protecting any particular group. Every case must be investigated impartially and thoroughly to ensure that no innocent person is subjected to harassment, while no actual offender escapes justice.

Improving law and order is essential to ensuring the safety to citizens and their property, as well as keeping the economy running smoothly.

Without progress in law and order, it will also be challenging to fulfill the interim government’s commitment to holding elections, as promised to the public. In addition to the Ministry of Home Affair’s Adviser, we have seen another Adviser express concern ovr the security situation.

It is hoped that all relevant ministers will step forward from their respective positions to address these issues. At the very least, senior officials of DMP should not limit their role to issuing directives but should also conduct on-site inspections to oversee the operations directly.​

 

[Bilal9]

So @Saif bhai - what is the general consensus on the street about AL causing destabilizing scenario?

 

[Saif]

So @Saif bhai - what is the general consensus on the street about AL causing destabilizing scenario?

Some people in the know say that it is not Awami League but BNP which is causing the unrest in Bangladesh at the behest of India. BNP is trying its best to prove to India that it is ready to go out of its way to safeguard India's political interest in Bangladesh so that India use its political muscle to keep BNP in power for a long long time. BNP is opposing the reform of the constitution written by Awami League and also they are opposing the removal of President Chuppu who was appointed by Awami League. BNP has literally transformed itself into a B team of Awami league to garner India's support. The whole thing is very depressing. I used to be a staunch supporter of BNP but after seeing the anti state activities of BNP I have switched side to support the new political party launched by the anti discrimination protesters. Peace.

 

[Bilal9]

Some people in the know say that it is not Awami League but BNP which is causing the unrest in Bangladesh at the behest of India. BNP is trying its best to prove to India that it is ready to go out of its way to safeguard India's political interest in Bangladesh so that India use its political muscle to keep BNP in power for a long long time. BNP is opposing the reform of the constitution written by Awami League and also they are opposing the removal of President Chuppu who was appointed by Awami League. BNP has literally transformed itself into a B team of Awami league to garner India's support. The whole thing is very depressing. I used to be a staunch supporter of BNP but after seeing the anti state activities of BNP I have switched side to support the new political party launched by the anti discrimination protesters. Peace.

You are correct - BNP stalwarts, who were as corrupt as the AL in their rule, have to be stopped from coming to power again. They were approached by RAW by the usual contacts and are trying to stage a comeback of India-shill politics in Bangladesh.

 

[Saif]

No room for mob justice, moral policing

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan yesterday firmly stated there is no room for mob justice or moral policing in the country.

www.thedailystar.net

No room for mob justice, moral policing
Environment adviser tells press briefing

Photo: PID

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan yesterday firmly stated there is no room for mob justice or moral policing in the country.

"The government has consistently taken a strong stance against such actions. However, as law and order have not yet been fully restored to normalcy, incidents of mob justice and moral policing have been observed in some areas," she said at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy.

Referring to a recent incident in Mohammadpur, Rizwana said, "We understand that both parties involved have signed a compromise agreement in the presence of police. Since a settlement has been reached, we must respect it as the final resolution."

She, however, said the government does not support any form of violence against women.

The press briefing was attended by Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi.​