Three killed every week in Cox’s Bazar, concerns grow

Cox’s Bazar’s law and order situation has always been complex due to its tourism industry, border location, hills and sea and the presence of a large Rohingya population. However, crime statistics from the current year have brought the complexity into renewed focus. In the first eight months of the year, 94 murders were recorded in the district. This means nearly three people were killed every week on average.

Four months of the year are still remaining. The statistics not only show an increase in the number of crimes but also raise serious questions about the overall security situation in the district.

During the same period, 123 incidents of burglary and other forms of theft were recorded. In August alone, Cox’s Bazar saw six murders, 15 thefts, 10 rapes, two robberies and two incidents of dacoity.

According to district police statistics, 4,897 incidents of various crimes were recorded in Cox’s Bazar in 2025. In the first eight months of the current year, the figure stood at 2,971. This means nearly 61 percent of the total crimes recorded throughout last year were reported in just the first eight months of this year.

The murder statistics are the most concerning. A total of 138 murders were recorded in the district throughout 2025. In the first eight months of the current year, 94 murders have already taken place. Although the number is lower than the total for last year, nearly 68 percent of last year’s figure has already been reached. With another four months remaining, concerns are growing over where the number of murders will stand at the end of the year.

Police said murders are occurring for various reasons including personal and family disputes, establishing dominance, drug trafficking, border related crimes, security conditions in Rohingya camps and social conflicts.

The theft statistics are also concerning. In 2025, 75 burglary cases and 73 other theft cases were recorded in the district. Until August this year, there were 58 burglary cases and 65 other theft cases. Altogether, 123 theft cases were recorded in the first eight months.

There have also been incidents of theft involving vehicles, livestock and homes. Locals allege that the actual situation could be worse than the statistics suggest as many incidents do not result in cases or general diaries being filed at police stations. During the tourist season, the risk of theft, snatching and fraud also increases due to the large influx of people.

Teknaf and Ukhia have long been known as routes for smuggling Yaba and various other drugs from Myanmar. Crimes such as arms smuggling, counterfeit currency, fraud, forgery and snatching have also become linked to this. Cyber and digital crimes are also creating additional pressure on police.

Another area of concern over the law-and-order situation is the court premises. There have been incidents ranging from allegations of displaying a pistol to intimidate a judge to open gunfire in the court area. Questions have also been raised about the role of police in these incidents.

Cox’s Bazar District Bar Association President Advocate Md. Abdul Mannan has expressed concern over the law-and-order situation.

Meanwhile, local journalist Antar Dey Bishal has allegedly been threatened for publishing an investigative report on the murder of Nayan Sadhu, a temple priest in Khurushkul. He was allegedly threatened with being implicated in a murder case if he did not remove the report. Although the matter was brought to the attention of the superintendent of police, he was instead questioned about reporting the news. Later, following protests by journalists, a general diary was filed at Sadar Police Station.

There are also signs of dissatisfaction within the police. Recently, 101 members of the district police were transferred over allegations of leaking confidential information. They include seven inspectors, 36 sub inspectors, 24 assistant sub inspectors and 34 constables. There are allegations that experienced officers have been removed and relatively less experienced officers have been given important responsibilities.

A police officer speaking on condition of anonymity alleged that a syndicate is being formed in Cox’s Bazar by transferring officers who are permanent residents of Chattogram Division and bringing preferred officers from other districts. The officer alleged that the superintendent of police may have an illegal plan behind this.

HM Nazrul Islam, member secretary of Cox’s Bazar Nagarik Andolan, said it is essential not only to file cases and make arrests but also to identify the sources of crime, increase patrols and intelligence surveillance in vulnerable areas, conduct regular operations against drug and smuggling syndicates and make community policing effective.

However, Superintendent of Police ANM Sajedur Rahman claimed that around 300 murders take place across the country every month. He said 15 to 20 murders occur in Cox’s Bazar every month. Most murders are caused by social disputes, extramarital affairs and family conflicts. He said most of those involved in these incidents have been brought under the law.

He said, “There will be no compromise with crime. No criminal is being spared. The police will definitely bring crime under control.”