As Killings Rise, Inaction Comes at a Heavy Price

We can no longer dismiss the rising number of killings nationwide as isolated incidents. The figures point to a serious law and order challenge that demands more than routine arrests after crimes occur. According to a recent report in The Daily Observer, Police Headquarters recorded 2,076 people killed across the country between January and July this year. That means nearly 10 deaths every day. The monthly toll also remained high, reaching 326 in June and 298 in July. Such a sustained level of violence raises deep concern and demands urgent action.

The wider crime landscape makes the picture even more alarming. Police data show that 1,14,050 cases involving various crimes were filed between February and July 2026, compared with 1,06,783 cases between January and July 2025. Meanwhile, Human Rights Support Society reported 56 deaths from political and election-related violence between January and June this year. During the same period, mob violence and lynching killed 133 people and injured 256. Yet Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on August 27 that the overall law and order situation had improved and that law enforcement agencies were swiftly arresting offenders. Blaming the past administration cannot make people happy and relieved. This contrast deserves serious scrutiny.

Several factors contribute to the worsening situation, including political rivalry, extortion, land grabbing, personal disputes, local dominance, drug trafficking and underworld conflicts. Law and order experts and human rights activists have also pointed to poor monitoring of professional criminals, easy bail, economic pressure and weaknesses in law enforcement. Arrests after crimes cannot address these problems alone. Criminals will continue to see violence as an option if they believe they can escape arrest, prosecution or punishment.

The government should therefore put crime prevention and security of life at the centre of its strategy. Police should maintain updated databases of repeat and violent offenders, map crime hotspots and conduct regular risk assessments. District police should review unsolved murder cases regularly, while intelligence units should share information across jurisdictions. High-risk cases should receive dedicated investigation teams and closer supervision from senior officers.

Serious prevention must go hand in hand with better investigations. Crime units need forensic expertise, digital evidence facilities and modern crime-scene equipment. Senior officers should track delays in evidence collection and charge-sheet preparation. Prosecutors and investigators should also review major cases together before charges are filed. This can help identify weaknesses early and improve the chances of successful prosecution.

The justice system must also close gaps that allow repeat offenders to return to crime. Courts should receive complete information about an accused person’s criminal history when considering bail. The courts �" from lower to High Courts �" should use their discretion wisely and consciously to give bails and release order. Authorities should act quickly when offenders violate bail conditions. Political or other influence must never shape investigations or prosecutions. Police must also respond swiftly to rumours and local tensions that could trigger mob violence or lynching.

Ultimately, citizens judge law and order by the situation whether they feel safe, not by official assessments. We should therefore judge the government’s performance by positive results: fewer killings, stronger investigations, faster trials and equal accountability. These should be the real measures of success. Otherwise, the price of inaction will extend beyond lost lives and erode public confidence in the rule of law and governance.