Political conflicts, the turf war between rival gangs and the control of extortion have led to a big spike in murders, target killings, and the use of illegal weapons across the country.
Police Headquarters data shows that of the 915 murder cases, 317 were recorded in March, just after the BNP took office, followed by 288 in April and 310 in May. In the same three months of 2025, 993 cases were filed. In 2024, the figure for that period stood at 794.
This year, Dhaka Range recorded the highest number of murders during the period with 207 cases, followed by Chattogram with 186, Rajshahi with 106, and Khulna with 84. Among metropolitan areas, Dhaka topped the list with 57 murders, the data shows. The recurring murders and criminal activities in broad daylights have raised fresh concerns among citizens over the country’s law and order.
Law enforcement sources say at least 25 people have been killed there since August 5, 2024, with 18 deaths linked to political disputes. At the same time, more than a hundred incidents of shooting and clashes were reported, leaving over 350 people injured, including many with bullet wounds.
Crime is also not being brought under control in Mohammadpur in the capital. Murders are going on despite regular raids by law enforcement agencies. The latest raid in Mohammadpur area two days ago by RAB arrested a top robber known as Sohel alias 'Mawra Sohel' along with foreign weapons. According to RAB sources, there are multiple allegations of robbery, terrorist activities and illegal use of weapons against the arrested Sohel in different areas of the capital. Foreign weapons were recovered from him during the raid.
According to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), 64 incidents of political violence in May resulted in five deaths and 289 injuries (11 of whom were shot). In April, 98 incidents resulted in six deaths and 533 injuries (37 of whom were shot). In March, 113 incidents resulted in at least 18 deaths and 912 injuries (15 of whom were shot). BNP activist Nasir Uddin was killed in Raozan on April 26. Two days earlier, BNP leader Kausaruzzaman was killed on April 24. Chhatra Dal leader Imran Hossain was shot and stabbed to death in Ishwardi, Pabna on April 2. Former Rupsha Sramik Dal president Masum Billah was shot dead in Khulna on March 5. And Sramik League general secretary Sheikh Sohel was killed in Bagerhat on March 14.
According to statistics from law enforcement agencies, murders involving illegal weapons are more common in the border areas. In the past year and a half, there have been 62 murders in the Jessore border area, most of which involved the use of foreign pistols.
The recovered weapons include 11 foreign high-quality firearms, including revolvers and pistols made in the United States, China, Turkey and Germany, a new state-of-the-art automatic Poissbach 22 caliber AK rifle and two air guns. Sources say that after the Chattogram Hill Tracts, the Jashore border is the largest source of illegal small arms entering the country. Small-sized firearms like 'Kata rifles', 'Belgharia pistols' and 9mm pistols made in neighboring countries can be easily carried and concealed, making smuggling even easier.
A high official of police, preferring anonymity, told The Daily Observer that special police patrols are a very effective method of maintaining law and order. Regular and strategic patrols reduce the scope for crime and increase security and confidence among the general public.
