Half of murders in six months took place in Dhaka and Chattogram

The country’s crime statistics are becoming increasingly alarming with day after day reports of murders, robberies, abductions and violence against women and children. According to police records from the first six months of the new government, an average of around 10 murders took place every day across the country. During the same period, an average of seven robberies and three abductions were reported each day. At least two police members were also subjected to harassment daily on average. Meanwhile, an average of 62 cases were filed every day over violence against women and children.

In other words, during the first 180 days of the government, almost every day began or ended with reports of multiple violent incidents. From the capital to remote areas, lives have been lost over political disputes, struggles for control, personal conflicts, drugs and extortion. This picture emerged from an analysis of the monthly crime reports of Police Headquarters. From February to July, 1,789 murder cases were recorded in police records across the country. The figures show that an average of around 10 people were killed every day.

According to the monthly figures, July recorded the highest number of murders at 298. There were 326 murders in June, 310 in May, 288 in April, 317 in March and 250 in February. However, these figures only include incidents recorded by police.

An investigation found that various types of disputes and criminal activities were behind these murders. Political conflicts, struggles for control in the underworld, the resurgence of organized crime groups, armed clashes over drugs and extortion and personal disputes have all contributed to an increasingly complex picture of violent crime.

The incidents are not limited to Dhaka or other major cities. An analysis of divisional and district data also shows that murders, targeted killings and gun attacks are taking place in remote areas.

According to crime experts, various criminal groups are trying to reorganize themselves following the political change. The spread of illegal firearms, challenges to the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, the reactivation of some top criminals and violent conflicts arising from internal political disputes have made the crime situation more concerning.

43 percent of murders in Dhaka and Chattogram: Statistics from Police Headquarters show that the highest number of murders over the past six months occurred in the Dhaka Range. A total of 404 murders were recorded in this range. This accounts for nearly one fourth of all murders in the country.

The Chattogram Range ranked second. A total of 361 murders were recorded there over six months. This means that around 43 percent of all murders in the country occurred in the Dhaka and Chattogram ranges combined.

This was followed by the Rajshahi Range with 183 murders, Khulna with 167, Mymensingh with 115, Rangpur with 113, Sylhet with 112, Barishal with 90 and the Railway Range with six murders.

Among metropolitan areas, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) recorded the highest number of murders. A total of 127 murders occurred there over the past six months. This was followed by Gazipur Metropolitan Area with 27, Chattogram Metropolitan Area with 25, Khulna with 19, Sylhet with 17, Rajshahi with 11, Barishal with seven and Rangpur Metropolitan Area with five murders.

Seven robberies and three abductions every day: Alongside murders, robbery and abduction incidents also remained at concerning levels. Police records show that 1,172 robberies were reported across the country over the past six months. This means an average of seven robberies occurred every day during the 180 day period.

Of these, 213 robberies occurred in July, 187 in June, 209 in May, 203 in April, 181 in March and 179 in February.

During the same period, 512 people were abducted across the country. That means an average of around three people were abducted every day. A total of 317 police members were subjected to various forms of harassment during the 180 days. This means an average of around two law enforcement members were subjected to such incidents every day.

Meanwhile, 11,165 cases were filed over violence against women and children during the past six months. That means an average of 62 cases were filed every day over such crimes.

‘Taking action only after a murder will not be enough’: Dhaka University teacher and crime expert Dr. Touhidul Haque said the statistics on murders are not only an indicator of the law-and-order situation. They also reflect the tendency toward violence in society, weaknesses in dispute resolution and the activities of organized crime groups.

He told Agamir Somoy that there would be no lasting improvement if authorities remained limited to investigations and arrests after murders. More effective and coordinated initiatives must be taken to prevent crime. He said murders could be reduced by strengthening community policing, resolving local disputes quickly, controlling drugs and illegal weapons, curbing juvenile gangs and increasing intelligence surveillance in vulnerable areas.

According to him, along with taking action after crimes are committed, the sources of crime must also be identified to prevent a continuation of such incidents. Coordinated measures must be taken by identifying the causes behind the spread of illegal weapons, financing of organized crime groups and political violence.

Police focus on technology based investigations: Asked about the matter, Police Headquarters AIG (Media) A H M Shahadat Hossain told Agamir Somoy that the rate of murders has remained almost at the same level for several years. Police are working to reduce such incidents.

He said police patrols have been increased. Efforts are underway to reduce the rate of murders and other crimes through intelligence surveillance and information gathering. Technology based investigations are being prioritized to identify and arrest those involved in every murder.

According to him, investigations into most cases are being advanced based on CCTV footage, mobile phone Call Detail Records (CDRs), digital forensic analysis and intelligence information. At the same time, the use of technology has been increased to identify and arrest perpetrators of other crimes.

However, the crime picture from these six months shows that the major challenge now is not only investigation and arrest but preventing crimes before they occur. In a reality where an average of 10 murders, seven robberies and numerous cases of violence are reported every day, the major question now is how effectively preventive measures can be implemented to control the law and order situation.