Public Safety Declines as Crime Rises 39%

Crime rates in Bangladesh saw a marked increase in 2025, with offences such as theft, robbery, snatching, dacoity, and kidnapping rising significantly compared to the previous year. Analysts emphasise that this surge is not merely statistical; it has tangible effects on citizens’ daily lives, mobility, and sense of security. Street crimes, home burglaries, and muggings are among the most visible threats to ordinary people.

One notable incident involved Kazi Mohammad A. Hadid, an employee at a private company who also provided motorbike ride-sharing services. On 24 January 2025, near Banani, he became the victim of a street robbery. According to police reports, after dropping off a passenger, Hadid stopped to rest in an open area. Four assailants surrounded him, threatened him with knives, stole his mobile phone and wallet, and inflicted physical injuries.

Hadid told Prothom Alo, “I lost money, was physically hurt, and subsequently lost my job. Recovering my motorbike documents and phone required significant time and expense. I am still unemployed.” Although public assistance helped retrieve his phone, two of the assailants escaped with his wallet. Legal proceedings and court expenses have further compounded his difficulties.

Official police data confirm this upward trend:

In particular, the combined number of robberies and snatching incidents rose by 39 per cent. Experts note, however, that many victims refrain from filing complaints due to bureaucratic hurdles—a persistent trend over recent years.

Assistant Inspector General H. M. Shahadat Hossain of the Police Headquarters observed that while the number of reported cases has increased, overall crime levels remain relatively stable over the past 15–20 years. He attributed the rise in reports partly to streamlined filing procedures and the consolidation of past incidents.

Public perception is deeply concerning. A survey by Kimakers Consulting found that 60 per cent of citizens consider government law enforcement efforts inadequate, while only 39 per cent deemed them effective. Furthermore, incidents of “mob terror” in 2025 resulted in at least 197 fatalities, up from 128 in 2024.

Dhaka University Assistant Professor Rezaul Karim Sohag warned that habitual offenders exploit lapses in law enforcement to target specific victims. He described the current law-and-order situation as “unmanageable,” with authorities failing to act effectively.

The surge in street crime, kidnappings, mob violence, and attacks on police underscores the urgent need for robust preventive measures to restore public safety and confidence.