The primary duty of any government is to ensure the security of its citizens. But is that happening in Bangladesh? The law and order situation is continuously deteriorating. What the Home Affairs Advisor said in a press conference at 3 AM is not very reassuring. The situation in Dhaka, in particular, has worsened in recent days. In addition to regular crimes, robberies have increased. Terrorists are now using firearms instead of traditional weapons.
Not only have highway robberies become rampant, but bus passengers have also been subjected to violent crimes, including rape. The latest attack on the Cox’s Bazar air base has raised further concerns. These incidents make it clear that the deteriorating law and order situation is alarming. Although the government boasts about improving law and order and achieving economic progress, the reality tells a different story. The question remains: What is the Home Affairs Advisor doing? Is there no rule of law in the country?
The recent clash between local residents and the Air Force in Cox’s Bazar has raised serious concerns about governance and the treatment of civilians by state forces. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a local man was taken into custody for failing to produce documents for his motorcycle, which led to unrest among the local population. The response? Air Force personnel clashed with civilians, resulting in injuries and the death of a young man named Shihab Kabir Nahid.
While the police force, along with the army, is responsible for maintaining security, this incident highlights the heavy-handed approach of state forces against their own citizens. Was the death of a civilian justified? Could the situation not have been defused without resorting to violence? Dr. Yunus took charge at a critical moment in the country, yet the increasing militarization of civilian affairs is a worrying trend. Instead of fostering trust and cooperation between the government and the people, the growing distrust is deepening the divide between the state and its citizens.
On Sunday night, Anwar, a gold trader, was shot and robbed near his home in Banasree. Robberies are not new to Dhaka, but they are increasing at an alarming rate. The use of firearms and the shooting of a man seven times in a crowded area like Banasree is shocking. According to the police, the robbers left him nearly dead and escaped with 200 bhari of gold and cash.
This is not an isolated incident. Dhaka is gradually becoming a hub of violent crime. Armed robberies, murders, and snatchings are occurring at an alarming rate, yet the authorities seem either incapable or unwilling to take decisive action. What does this say about the effectiveness of the government’s security policies? The police, who should be ensuring security, often appear more interested in protecting the powerful than serving ordinary citizens. But the question remains: Why has the new government been unable to restore normalcy to the police force even six months after coming to power?
The biggest failure of this administration is the lack of proper law enforcement. During the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, more than 400 police stations were severely affected due to attacks. However, the fact that law enforcement has not returned to normal even after six months is not only disheartening but also alarming. Criminals roam freely, and some even evade justice despite being convicted. Meanwhile, victims like Anwar are left helpless. Is Bangladesh becoming a country where law-abiding citizens live in fear while criminals operate with impunity?
Perhaps the most glaring example of the government’s failure is the deteriorating security situation on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway. Once considered the country’s economic lifeline, this route has now become a nightmare for commuters. The increase in robberies has made it one of the most dangerous roads in Bangladesh. Expatriates, businessmen, drivers, and even garment workers are being robbed at gunpoint. In some cases, criminals are even impersonating law enforcement officers to carry out their crimes. If a government cannot even secure its highways, it is indeed facing a crisis.
Dr. Yunus is widely known for his economic policies and international recognition. However, as a statesman, his administration is failing to provide adequate security. Foreign investors are hesitant due to fears of crime and state violence. The economy is suffering significantly. Both citizens and foreigners feel increasingly unsafe, putting billions of dollars in investment at risk. The recent wave of insecurity is not just an isolated issue—it is a direct consequence of the administration’s failure to prioritize law and order.
The Home Affairs Advisor’s response to the escalating law and order crisis has been uninspiring. The government’s commitment to taking strong action against crime remains questionable. It is evident that law enforcement agencies lack the resources, accountability, and leadership necessary to tackle the growing security crisis effectively. Worse, many believe that political connections within the police force contribute to crime, further eroding public trust in law enforcement.
Since August 5, mob lynchings have increased across the country. While such incidents had previously declined, a new wave of vigilante justice emerged following the bulldozer demolition of a house in Dhanmondi-32. This practice has since spread nationwide. Law enforcement authorities have not taken decisive action. Even though members of the armed forces have been granted magisterial powers, the law and order situation has not improved. On the contrary, deaths in the custody of joint forces have increased.
The real question is: Who is responsible for this chaos? Instead of addressing the root causes of criminal violence, the Home Affairs Advisor has blamed Awami League leaders and activists for terrorism. This only exacerbates the crisis rather than resolving it.
What Bangladesh needs now is strong leadership, not empty rhetoric. If the interim government, led by Dr. Yunus, continues to ignore the rising crime rate and fails to curb anarchy, it risks completely losing the trust of the people. A nation cannot thrive when its citizens do not feel safe in their homes, on their streets, or in their workplaces.
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The deteriorating law and order situation is not just an isolated issue—it is a symptom of a much deeper crisis. The government must take immediate steps to restore order by reforming the police force, ensuring accountability for state violence, and cracking down on criminal networks. If it fails to do so, the people will have no choice but to question whether this government truly serves them or works against them.
One thing is clear: Bangladesh needs leadership that prioritizes security and justice. If Dr. Yunus cannot deliver, the people will have to consider alternatives.
