Since late last year, Bangladesh has seen a steady rise in criminal activity owing to the lax law and order situation which has been prevailing since the fall of the previous government. Indeed, data from the police headquarters itself, released two weeks ago, testifies to just how instances of murders, robberies, and kidnappings have increased in numbers, resulting in citizens feeling unsafe outside of their homes at any given time of day.
According to a recent UNB report, one of the most popular hotspots in the capital city, Hatirjheel, has all but transformed into a den of petty crime replete with rampant drug abuse, burglary, and even outright robberies taking place as soon as dusk settles in. It was not out of the ordinary to see Hatirjheel teeming with families, couples, and even tourists well into late night, but due to the rise in crime the area becomes completely vacant with visitors fearing for their safety as soon as the sun goes down.
A once-popular tourist destination being vacated so early is emblematic of just how much the law and order situation has deteriorated, not just in the capital but indeed across the entire nation.
The interim government has taken a number of steps to try and keep crimes in check, such as giving the army increasing magistracy powers, however such ad hoc measures are simply not enough at this point. The police force, which has been in a state of near paralysis since the fall of the previous government and the ensuing unrest, needs to undergo the reforms promised by the administration without delay -- a robust and pro-people police force is the only way out at this juncture.
For people to continue to feel unsafe outside of their homes, and at times even inside their homes, is not a status quo we should become comfortable with.