Along with crime control, moral education also necessary

Since the July mass uprising, criminal activities are on the rise in the country. Earlier, there might have been major crimes, many of which remained hidden from the public eye. But over the past few months, the rate of visible crimes has increased so much that ordinary people are witnessing it openly. Common people are raising such concerns on social media. The police's crime statistics for the last three months strongly support their concerns. These statistics also highlight the need for urgent action by the police to control crime.

Analyzing the statistics of cases filed in the first three months of this year, it can be seen that six types of crimes including murder, kidnapping, robbery, and extortion have increased compared to the same period of the previous year. Although there is a big difference in political and social situation of the current year and the previous year. There is also a difference in the capacity of the police.

According to the media reports published yesterday (April 26), it police headquarters records information on all types of crimes across the country. Analyzing the information available until March 2025, it can be seen that 294 cases were filed in January of this year, 300 in February, and 316 in March. From January to March of 2024, 231, 240, and 239 murder cases were registered across the country respectively. There were 77 more murder cases in March of this year compared to March of last year. There were 63 and 60 more in January and February, respectively.

According to police sources, many people who were unable to file cases from 2009 to August 2024 have registered complaints over those incidents newly, leading to an increase in the number of cases. However, the general public also feels that not only has the number of crimes in society increased, but the nature of the crimes has also changed. New types of theft, snatching, and robbery are emerging. Recently, incidents of snatching creating mob have been reported in the media. Earlier in the year, many were afraid to go out on the streets of Dhaka after evening. Now, the law and order situation has largely been brought under control in Dhaka. However, in various districts outside Dhaka, incidents of theft and robbery are being reported through word of mouth and social media.

The reason behind the alarming rise in crime in the country needs to be investigated. Is it solely due to political changes, or is it a result of the ineffectiveness of the law enforcement agencies? Or does it stem from the erosion of moral values among the people? It is well-known that economic insecurity and uncertainty are also contributing factors to the increase in crime. Yet, the people of Bangladesh have never been this prone to crime. Given the circumstances, it appears that there is a terrifying state of chaos and disorder in society.

After the July uprising, the interim government faced the major challenge of controlling the law and order situation. Criminals took advantage of the breakdown in regular police operations and procedures. Public anxiety about criminal activities grew. However, eight months have passed since the government took charge, and the current state of crime is being described as alarming by experts. They say that the police must now develop a strategy to control crime; otherwise, social instability due to crime will emerge.

Along with strategies to control crime, it is equally crucial to enhance moral values in society and the state. This cannot be achieved without proper education and a democratic environment. Our expectation is that those responsible for the country’s moral education will give more attention to this. At the same time, efforts must be made to restore a sound, beautiful, transparent, and accountable democratic environment in society.