100 days of Tarique Rahman’s govt: Bangladesh witnessing ‘renewed surge’ in violent crime, rape, murder and extortion cases

Nearly 100 days after the Tarique Rahman-led BNP government came to power, promising major reforms and economic stability, the South Asian nation continues to witness a renewed surge in violent crime as well as rape, murder and extortion cases. This has raised serious questions over the deteriorating law and order situation.

In recent weeks, people in Bangladesh have witnessed a series of crimes, ranging from brutal murders and child rape to deadly attacks on citizens, journalists and even police officials, Dhaka Tribune reported.

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The report states that these growing incidents of crime have “deepened public fear and intensified criticism,” with analysts describing it as a continuing “culture of impunity” despite the political transition.

Ever since Tarique Rahman came to power in February this year, security and public confidence continues to remain one of the biggest challenges for his government.

In recent days, two rape cases of minors have been reported, including one in Chittagong, triggering public outrage.

The report highlights that a Rapid Action Battalion member was stabbed to death during the anti-drug operation in Sylhet, while there has been a drastic increase in attacks on journalists and law enforcement officers. This includes the attack on a reporter and cameraman of Desh TV, whic hwas carried out by drug dealers in Savar.

Meanwhile, police personnel were attacked while carrying out an eviction operation in Mirpur’s Kalshi area in Dhaka.

Between January and April this year, the country has recorded 1,142 murders, as per the data shared by police headquarters.

During the same period, police officials have registered close to 6,000 cases of violence against women and children, besides 184 robberies, 347 kidnappings and 4,099 theft cases across the country.

Notably, as many as 3,786 murder cases wer filed in Bangladesh in 2025, compared to 3,442 in 2024 and 3,023 in 2023, Dhaka Tribune reports.

Over the past 16 months, at least 522 children have been murdered, according to human rights groups, while analysts have warned that weak justice systems along with delayed trials are significantly contributing towards rising brutal crimes.

Reacting on the law and order situation, Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, additional IGP and police commissioner, said, “Murder, rape, extortion, drugs, cybercrime, juvenile gangs and online gambling will be suppressed with a strict hand”.