Various crimes, including murder, extortion, kidnapping and robbery, are being reported across Bangladesh, including in the capital Dhaka, according to recent incidents and police data. Victims have described violent attacks, while videos of assaults involving locally made weapons have circulated on social media, intensifying public concern over law and order.
Murder cases rise 14% in early 2026
Police Headquarters data show that murder cases in Bangladesh increased by 14% in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
According to the data, 294 murder cases were registered in January 2025, 217 in February and 239 in March. In 2026, the figures stood at 287 in January, 250 in February and 317 in March.
Experts link rise to policing gaps, social impact
Dhaka University Institute of Social Welfare and Research criminologist Dr Touhidul Haque told Dhaka Tribune that law enforcement plays a key role in maintaining order and has faced challenges following recent political changes.
He said criminal groups often become more active after shifts in political power, leading to spikes in violence. He also noted that evolving criminal networks, particularly in areas such as Mohammadpur, have made it harder for law enforcement agencies to identify and control organized groups. He called for stricter enforcement of the law.
Faridpur Medical College professor and psychiatrist Dr Helal Uddin Ahmed said the circulation of crime-related videos on social media is having a negative psychological impact on the public.
He said repeated exposure to such content is increasing fear, anxiety and distress, and may also contribute to harmful behavioural effects. He urged steps to curb the spread of violent content online.
Crime analysts said the situation is driving growing public anxiety and stressed that maintaining law and order must remain a priority, warning that continued deterioration could fuel further unrest.
Psychiatrists echoed similar concerns, saying exposure to violent content online is increasing fear and insecurity and may have long-term mental health impacts.
Police say operations ongoing
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir said operations are ongoing against terrorists, extortionists, drug dealers and other criminals through block raids.
He said a list of suspects has been prepared and strict action is being taken regardless of political affiliation. “The operation is going on beyond party affiliation. The police will keep a watchful eye to prevent the rise of extremists,” he said.
On mob violence, the IGP said police are actively working to suppress all forms of crime, including mob-related incidents.
Recent violent incidents across the country
Recent days have seen a series of violent crimes in and outside Dhaka.
On April 17, a three-month-old baby was strangled to death by his stepfather, Apurba, in the Bardhanbari area under Darussalam Police Station in Mirpur, Dhaka. On the same day, schoolteacher Firoza Khanam, also known as Joshana (68), was beaten to death with a hammer in Pallabi.
On April 15, Asadul Haque was stabbed to death in the Beribandh area of Mohammadpur late at night. Earlier, Alex Emon was hacked to death in public in Mohammadpur on April 12 over a dispute related to dominance.
At least 13 women were raped in the Mirpur and Jatrabari areas over the past two months after being lured with gifts. Police have arrested rape suspect Rashedul Islam Rabbi.
In a separate incident, United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) leader Dharmashing Chakma was killed in the Kutubchhari residential area of Rangamati on Friday morning. His two sisters were also shot in the attack.
Separately, Pir Abdur Rahman Shamim was hacked and beaten to death at Darbar Sharif in Philipnagar under Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia on Saturday afternoon.
