Crime Surge: 10 Murders Daily, 347 Kidnapped in 5 Months

A sense of panic has gripped the public as kidnappings and home invasions become increasingly common, leading many to feel that anything can happen at any time, for a reason or without reason.

Despite law enforcement’s efforts to restore safety, statistics reveal that 10 people were murdered daily on average during the first four months of this year.

Since the events of 5 August, law enforcement members - who initially lost morale - have been attempting to regain their strength through new tactics and uniforms, yet crime continues to spread like an epidemic.

Monthly crime data highlights a grim reality. Between January and May, 315 individuals, including children, were victims of rape or kidnapping across the country, with 18 people murdered following sexual assault.

During these five months, 347 people were kidnapped. Analysts cite social decay and mental distress as primary causes, echoing Aristotle’s ancient sentiment that poverty is the mother of crime.

BNP-led government made restoring law and order a top priority, yet public unease persists and has even reached the Parliament. In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the police to develop new strategies, and Police Headquarters established seven special committees on 14 June.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nur Mohammad told Agamir Somoy that the police must first overcome its trauma. He said, “Depending on the situation, they must use batons, gas, and bullets - everything.” Nur urged the government to issue strict directives, “If force must be applied, apply it; if you must shoot, then shoot.”

Tauhidul Haque of University of Dhaka added that crime is rising at a geometric rate due to inadequate police control and the patronage of criminal groups. He noted a disturbing trend where police are attacked and suspects are snatched from custody.

Police records show 1,142 murders occurred in the first four months of 2026 - a 12.29 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. Dhaka Division remains the most crime-prone area with 11,871 cases, followed by Chittagong with 9,908, Rangpur with 5,390, Khulna with 5,352, Rajshahi with 5,224.

Meanwhile, reports from HRSS and MSF confirm a surge in violence, noting that in May alone, 305 women and girls were abused and 17 individuals fell victim to gang rape.

According to reports, 1,035 women and girls fell victim to abuse across the country during the first five months of this year. Among these victims, 250 were raped, 65 were victims of gang rape, and 18 were murdered following sexual assault. This data suggests an average of 50 rape incidents occur every month.

The safety of officers remains a major concern, as 268 attacks on police were reported in the first five months of the year. Since January 2025, the number of such attacks during operations has exceeded 870.