One of the most depressing aspects of the current governance system is the authorities' struggle with the implementation of the rule of law.
Both petty and fatal crimes have become so common in the country that the population has become desensitized to the crimes that are reported on a daily basis. As such, the fact that Bangladesh has been ranked 127th out of 140 countries on the Rule of Law Index 2022 -- slipping down two positions from last year -- is a mere confirmation of our downward spiral, and shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.
This year, Bangladesh scored 0.39 out of 1, where 1 indicates the strongest adherence to the rule of law. Last year, the country's score was 0.40.
According to the report, the continued deterioration of the rule of law can be attributed to three factors: Weakening of constraints on government powers, an erosion of fundamental rights, and the deterioration of civil justice. While there can be much debate about the cause of the situation, the numbers don't lie.
The fact 261 people were murdered across Bangladesh in July, and that's just a single month of the year, is truly eye opening. Furthermore, a glance through the papers is enough to estimate the number of crimes that are daily taking place -- especially in the capital.
There needs to be a more comprehensive response from the authorities. Our lives and livelihoods are in danger, and we need protection. The police force has to be revamped. The justice system has to be fixed. Draconic bans on journalists that want to expose corruption and criminals need to be lifted.
If people don't feel safe, people will eventually want to leave. As Bangladeshis, it is our duty to not let that happen.
