In recent times, a concerning trend of extortion orchestrated by political activists is on the rise nationwide. The audacity with which these crimes are being committed under an interim government is alarming. If these politically affiliated criminals are acting so boldly now, one can only imagine the potential escalation should their party gain control post-elections.
The root of this issue lies in a perceived “security vacuum,” where security forces are seen as either overburdened or hesitant to take decisive actions despite governmental efforts. This has created an environment where not only politically connected individuals but also opportunistic and criminal groups feel emboldened to engage in illegal activities. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police reported an average of 70 extortion cases filed monthly in the capital during the first half of 2025, alongside numerous other criminal cases such as robbery, mugging, theft, rape, and murder. While official statistics may be unreliable, the overall law-and-order situation appears equally unstable in various parts of the country.
The menace of political extortion and thuggery is particularly troubling, with grassroots members of major parties frequently implicated. Incidents like the brutal murder of Lal Chand alias Sohag, a scrap metal trader in Dhaka, by individuals associated with the BNP, highlight the severity of the situation. Similarly, cases involving groups led by figures like Abdur Razzak Riyad of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) have come to light, involving extortion and coercion of former MPs. The recent leak of a list containing 123 alleged extortionists in Rajshahi has further fueled concerns. These individuals, with affiliations to various political parties, stand accused of a range of crimes from land grabbing to extorting money from different sectors, underscoring the deeply ingrained culture of political extortion.
Political parties, especially the BNP aiming to assume power in the upcoming elections, need to address why their disciplinary actions against criminal elements within their ranks have been ineffective. The rebranding of criminals associated with past regimes under the protection of certain parties also raises red flags. Mere symbolic gestures or distancing from individual wrongdoers will not suffice. Concrete measures are necessary from both political entities and the government to ensure that political crimes are not tolerated under any circumstances.