Incidents of theft, robbery, and mugging are surging across the country, including the capital, with law and order deterioration indicators steadily rising, BNP Chairperson's adviser Zainul Abdin Farroque has said.
He made the remarks on Monday, at a discussion titled “Deteriorating Law and Order and the Transfer of Power to Public Representatives Through Fair Elections” organized by Bangladesh Gano Jagoron Dal at the National Press Club.
Farroque said: "The fear of mugging has gripped every alley and street in neighborhoods across the country. As evening falls, ordinary people are afraid to step outside due to the fear of robberies and muggings. Even in the capital, incidents of armed attacks on rickshaw passengers in front of hundreds of people are taking place. No one even feels safe inside buses anymore."
Addressing Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, he said: “We urge you to understand the people's voice. The citizens of this country want elections. Arrange elections swiftly. Identify the allies of the Awami League who are plotting to delay the polls. Why would we protest against you? It was we who put you in power. We also have many demands from the government, yet we do not take to the streets.”
Meanwhile, BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad said: “Almost every day, people are being robbed of everything they have and heinous crimes like rape are occurring. These incidents are increasing across the country. Despite the large police presence, the deterioration of law and order raises endless questions and frustrations among the public.”
He alleged that during the 15 years of the fascist Awami League regime, the government deliberately recruited party loyalists into the police force.
As a result, during the July uprising, people witnessed the terrifying role of those partisan officers against students and citizens, he added.
