“How can people be this cruel?”—that was the overwhelming reaction after the video of scrap trader Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, being killed in broad daylight in front of Mitford Hospital last Wednesday (July 9) went viral. Sohag was beaten to death with bricks and stones in front of a crowd of onlookers.

Earlier on June 1, BNP leaders Mohabbat Ali and Yunus Ali were killed in Jamal Union under Kaliganj Upazila in Jhenaidah. The two brothers died in a clash between two local BNP factions. According to the Police Headquarters, an average of 11 people are murdered across the country every day. Last month, a rape case in Muradnagar followed by the release of a video triggered widespread outrage. Altogether, there is growing concern regarding the country’s law and order situation. Questions are being raised about the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, while fear of criminals is discouraging the public from speaking out. These anxieties and frustrations are now visibly playing out on social media.

The Police Headquarters compiles national crime statistics based on murder cases filed at police stations across the country. According to the data, a total of 1,930 people were murdered across the country between January and June of this year. In January, a total of 294 people were killed. In February, the number rose to 300. In March, it went up to 316. In April, 336 people were murdered, followed by 341 in May. June recorded the highest number of murders this year, with a total of 343 killings reported. Analysis of the statistics shows that the number of murders has been increasing every month this year. Most of the incidents have occurred in the Dhaka Metropolitan area, Dhaka Range, and Chattogram Range. Many of the killings were reportedly linked to extortion and gang wars. The most recent example is the murder of Sohag, the scrap trader in Old Dhaka. Several political organizations have staged protests and rallies condemning the killing.

SN Md Nazrul Islam, Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), told Bonik Barta, “The Mitford incident was an act of extreme brutality. A criminal has no political identity. The only identity is that they are a criminal. No one will be spared if they commit a crime. Action will be taken under existing laws.”

Alongside murders, significant numbers of robberies, muggings, violence against women and children, and abductions are also taking place across the country. According to data from Police Headquarters, there were 366 robberies reported across the country between January and June. February saw the highest number with 74 incidents. During this six-month period, a total of 11,008 cases of violence against women and children were recorded. April had the highest number of such cases.

ASM Nasiruddin Elan, a human rights activist and Police Reform Commission member, believes the government needs to take a tougher stance against criminals. He told Bonik Barta, “What we achieved through the July Movement has now been distorted by political thuggery. This is what has created the anarchic situation. To resolve such crises, the government must act firmly. Criminals must face consequences regardless of political affiliation. No one should be spared. Otherwise, it won’t be possible to bring the law and order situation under control.”

Just two days after the killing of Sohag in Old Dhaka, Mahbubur Rahman Molla—ex-vice president of Khulna Daulatpur Thana unit of Jubodal—was shot and had his tendons slit before being killed by miscreants on Friday (July 11). Police believe the murder was linked to a local turf war. Regarding the incident, Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Deputy Commissioner (North) Mohammad Tazul Islam said, “We initially think a power struggle in the area led to the murder.”

Yesterday, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam announced that a nationwide list of local gang leaders and enforcers is being prepared to improve the law and order situation. He also noted that political parties must play an important role in this effort.

Former IGP Nur Mohammad believes the rising crime rate is creating a sense of unrest among the general public. He told Bonik Barta, “Whether we call them politicians or thinkers, everyone agrees that political culture is a major factor. We’ve seen four caretaker governments in the past. During those times, law and order was under control. But it’s been nearly a year since the current interim government took office, and law and order still hasn’t stabilized. In this situation, I believe there’s no alternative to forming a political government through elections. A free and fair election must be organized as soon as possible to form a government that reflects the people’s will. That’s the only way we can bring the law and order situation under control.”

When asked about the current law and order situation, Enamul Haque Sagor, AIG (Media and Public Relations) of Police Headquarters, told Bonik Barta, “The police are working sincerely to prevent crime. Moreover, whenever a crime takes place, the police are responding immediately. In recent incidents, the police have brought the real culprits under the law in the shortest possible time. We are fully committed to both preventing crimes and ensuring justice. There’s no leniency. At the same time, it’s critical that we overcome the current social and family instability. Alongside the police, every responsible citizen must play a role. We believe there’s no substitute for mutual tolerance, patience, and acceptance. And if any untoward incident occurs, people should report it to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands. We’ll take immediate legal action.”

Meanwhile, after inspecting the Dhaka District Police Line, Range Reserve Force (RRF), and the Traffic and Driving School (TDS) at the Mill Barrack in Old Dhaka yesterday, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury told the media, “The murder of the Mitford businessman is extremely unfortunate. So far, five people involved in the incident have been arrested. Law enforcement is not being negligent in any way. There might be slight delays in some places, but in every incident, the forces are taking immediate action.”