Nearly twelve months into the current interim government’s term, and with the deadline for election arrangements set for December, one might have anticipated a significant decrease in tensions. However, the situation appears to be deteriorating rather than improving. The escalation is not solely attributed to the surge in criminal activities. While crime statistics offer valuable insights, they fail to capture the underlying tensions brewing beneath the surface. Alongside the daily disturbances stemming from unresolved political issues and unaddressed grievances, the populace has been deeply disturbed by the audacious nature of recent crimes. Instances such as rape, mob violence, and murder, carried out brazenly—often in broad daylight, captured on camera, and widely disseminated on social platforms—have left the public in shock.
The most recent appalling incident was the brutal killing of Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, a scrap metal trader in Mitford, by individuals associated with various BNP-affiliated organizations. Prior to this, the barbaric assault on a woman in Muradnagar, Cumilla, who was subjected to torture, rape, and filmed in a vulnerable state, had shocked the nation. Additionally, the attack on a police station in Lalmonirhat by a mob that freed two convicts has raised concerns about the audacity of criminals. While seven out of the 19 suspects in the Mitford case have been apprehended, the public’s faith in the law enforcement process demands further reassurance. Even the home adviser, while announcing a special combing operation to restore law and order before the elections, acknowledged the escalating crime rates.
Data from the Police Headquarters reveals that in the initial half of this year, there were 1,336 reported cases of dacoity and robbery, along with 1,930 murder cases (including over 400 incidents from previous years). Furthermore, there were 11,008 reported cases of violence against women and children, and 515 kidnapping cases. Another estimate suggests that 89 individuals lost their lives in mob attacks between January and June. Despite numerous protests and warnings, such incidents persist. Of particular concern is the failure of political mechanisms to deter crimes, with 349 cases of political violence reported in the past eleven months, resulting in 87 fatalities, as per Ain o Salish Kendra, with BNP being implicated in 323 of these incidents.
Various hypotheses attempt to explain the escalating crime rates. Recently, the BNP general secretary, distancing the party from crimes committed by its members, attributed the rise in criminal activities to the lack of an impending election. While this assertion may hold some truth, the crimes perpetrated by political entities offer a glimpse into the potential post-election scenario if internal accountability and democratic practices within parties remain neglected. It is imperative for both the government and political factions to adopt stringent measures to combat crimes. Addressing internal political dysfunctions that foster a culture of impunity is equally essential. As the elections draw near, prioritizing public safety must be paramount.