Rising Crime Rates in Bangladesh: Violence Surges Ahead of 2026 General Elections

Dhaka:

Bangladesh is witnessing an alarming increase in criminal activities as the general elections approach, according to local media reports released on Monday.

Bangladeshi news outlet UNB, citing police sources, reported that violent and organized crimes are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated. Criminal syndicates are reportedly impersonating law enforcement officers to execute robberies and kidnappings across the country.

Official data from police headquarters reveals that October saw 319 murder cases nationwide, an increase from September's 297 cases, though slightly lower than August's 321 incidents.

Other criminal activities also showed concerning upward trends. Dacoity cases rose to 56 in October from 50 previously, while robbery incidents increased to 180 from 169. Burglary cases climbed to 301, compared to 295 in September and 311 in August.

Kidnapping incidents have shown a steady increase, with 110 cases reported in October, up from 96 in September and 90 in August. Theft reports also grew to 931 in October, compared to 888 in September and 956 in August. These statistics highlight the widespread impact of criminal activity across both urban and rural Bangladesh.

Reports indicate that crimes against women and children remain at disturbingly high levels in the South Asian nation, with 1,985 incidents documented in October, nearly matching the 1,904 cases reported in both September and August.

Police authorities have emphasized their extensive preparations for the upcoming elections. A Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) official told UNB, "A total of 150,000 police personnel are being trained in phases. Training for around 50,000 members has already been completed. The rest will finish on schedule."

Recently, the Awami League claimed that during the 14-month administration of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, 4,177 murder cases were registered, with victims' bodies discovered in drains, rivers, and streets throughout the country.

In a statement on X, the Awami League declared: "Fifteen months have passed under 'usurper' Yunus. In the 14 months of this illegitimate government's rule, Dhaka alone has seen 456 recorded murders, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police itself. From last September to this October, DMP registered an average of 33 murder cases per month. Nationwide, 4,177 murder cases were filed. And this is only the number of cases. There are many more killings that never became cases."

The statement continued: "Human rights groups say 216 people were beaten to death across the country during this period. Police say crime has risen partly because 25 per cent of the looted weapons from August 5, including deadly ones, are still missing. After coming to power, Yunus released top criminals, and the police can't control them."