The recent killing of Sumon, a business owner, in Dhaka’s Gulshan area is a stark reminder of the rising violence in the capital, shot in front of Gulshan Police Plaza, one of the city’s busiest and most high-security zones, the killing raises serious concerns about the current state of law enforcement and public safety.
But beyond the immediate crime, it reflects deeper issues: The overlap of business and criminality, the failure of the justice system, and a culture of impunity that allows conflicts to escalate unchecked.
Sumon’s murder was reportedly linked to a long-standing business dispute. His family pointed fingers at a rival named Rubel, a cable service operator, who had allegedly threatened him in the past. Whether this killing was an act of revenge or part of a deeper conflict remains to be investigated. However, it highlights how business rivalries in Dhaka are increasingly settled not in courts, but through violence.
From land disputes to contract conflicts, the city has seen a rise in targeted killings. The fact that this crime occurred in a commercial hub under heavy surveillance shows how emboldened criminals have become. Acts of violence are not isolated incidents, but part of a larger trend of deteriorating public safety. The silence and inaction of those in power only exacerbate the situation, leaving citizens vulnerable to violent criminals.
Sumon himself had multiple criminal cases, including extortion, which complicates the narrative. Was he the victim of a crime, or was this an internal power struggle? Many businesses in Dhaka operate in legally grey areas, where political backing, threats, and violence dictate success. In sectors like internet services, cable operations, real estate, and transport, competition is often unfair. Corruption, weak enforcement, and bureaucratic delays make legal recourse ineffective, leading to disputes turning violent.
This murder also exposes the failure of preventive justice. If Sumon had received threats before, why wasn’t there intervention? Law enforcement often reacts after crimes occur instead of preventing them. Selective enforcement allows those with power to manipulate the system, filing false cases against rivals or escaping accountability.
At the core of this issue is Bangladesh’s culture of impunity. Murders and illegal activities often go unpunished, encouraging more crime. In past high-profile killings, suspects were arrested but investigations later stalled. Victims’ families were pressured into silence, and trials dragged on, allowing perpetrators to go free.
If Dhaka continues on this path, the consequences will be severe. Rising violence will not only endanger lives but also erode public trust in law enforcement. Businesses will suffer as fear and instability drive away investment. Ordinary citizens will be the ultimate victims as crime becomes further entrenched in daily life.
To break this cycle, law enforcement must move from a reactive to a preventive approach. Threats and disputes should be taken seriously before they escalate. Community policing, intelligence gathering, and stricter monitoring of organized crime can help prevent violence.
The administration in power must also address the connection between business and crime. Sectors where muscle power dictates success must be regulated more strictly. Transparent business policies, fair competition laws, and stronger contract enforcement can reduce the incentive for violence.
The legal system must ensure swift and impartial justice. High-profile crimes must be investigated thoroughly, with suspects held accountable regardless of their influence. Faster and more transparent judicial processes are necessary to restore public trust.
Our society must reject crime as a way of life.
Sumaia Akter Jonaki is a freelance contributor and a student of law.
