Ensuring safety of lives and property: A national imperative

Suddenly, incidents of kidnapping and abduction are on the rise in the country. According to a news report published yesterday (April 4), the police have received allegations of kidnapping involving more than six hundred individuals, including children, over the past fourteen months. These incidents are occurring nationwide, from Dhaka to other parts of the country. Various organized groups are actively involved in crimes like kidnapping, sometimes leading to further offenses such as torture and even murder if ransom demands are not met.

According to police sources, over five hundred suspicious individuals have been arrested nationwide in connection with kidnapping incidents. Last year, 677 victims were rescued from kidnappers. Investigations are underway against 699 individuals allegedly involved in these incidents, and cases have been filed in various police stations across the country.

Recent incidents of child abduction have instilled fear among parents. Schools and educational institutions are witnessing anxiety among administrators, teachers, and parents. Children are being kidnapped, and ransom is being demanded. If the ransom is not paid, they are sometimes murdered. Kidnappers are resorting to wearing burqas to carry out their crimes.
These incidents have naturally stirred up concern among the populace. According to police and RAB sources, vigilance has been increased in Dhaka and other parts of the country in anticipation of Eid. Alongside kidnappings, incidents of theft and robbery are also on the rise. People are afraid to leave their homes for Eid shopping or visiting relatives due to these circumstances, turning what should be a Eid celebration into a time of anxiety.

On the other hand, on Tuesday (April 2) night and Wednesday (April 3) in Ruma and Thanchi upazilas of Bandarban, there have been incidents of bank robbery. According to information obtained from news sources, on Tuesday night, a group of armed assailants surrounded the mosque of the Ruma upazila complex and abducted bank employee Najam Uddin, and then wreaked havoc in the bank. The next day, Wednesday, the armed assailants also surrounded the Thanchi Bazaar and looted 17 lakh 45 thousand takas from two branches of Sonali and Krishi banks, and fled. The Cookie-Chin National Front or (KNF) militant group is being blamed for this armed attack. This has caused unrest in the hill districts. People are questioning, despite the presence of the military and law enforcement agencies in the hill districts, how do such incidents happen?

Suddenly, why are such kidnapping incidents occurring? A few reasons can be easily identified - unemployment, inflation, deteriorating law and order situation, moral degradation in society, etc. In-depth investigation and research are necessary to understand these kidnapping cases. Those involved in these organized criminal activities must be identified. Crime analysts say that controlling such crimes is essential. Because these criminals are not only harming the kidnapped individuals but also causing financial and mental harm to their families. Members of law enforcement agencies need to apprehend them through regular operations to bring them within the purview of the law.

Awareness of law enforcement agencies' vigilance and awareness of these issues at all levels of society are essential. It requires concerted efforts to address these issues. Everyone needs to be vigilant. Especially, keeping an eye on children is necessary. Most kidnapping incidents occur in the case of children.