Dhaka, March 23 (NationPress) Despite the arrest of over 8,000 individuals in the Mohammadpur and Adabor regions of Dhaka during the eighteen-month rule of the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, crime rates in Bangladesh remain a pressing issue, as reported by local media.

During this period, more than 2,000 criminal cases were filed across the two police jurisdictions, encompassing serious offenses such as extortion and robbery, highlighting a significant failure in law enforcement under Yunus's administration.

Following the political turmoil in July 2024, Bangladesh's police force became ineffective, allowing criminal networks to gain control over areas like Mohammadpur, Adabor, and Bahila.

Violent incidents surged, including public clashes involving traditional weapons and firearms, shootings at institutions, and a series of assaults, with various factions engaging in rampant extortion, as reported by the Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo.

Under the interim government's leadership, a total of 2,102 cases were recorded at the police stations in Mohammadpur and Adabor. Specifically, in Mohammadpur, 1,775 cases were filed, comprising 37 for extortion, 40 for banditry, six for robbery, and 51 for theft.

In Adabor, out of 327 cases, eight were for extortion, 22 for banditry, 28 for theft, 15 for preparation of robbery, and 13 for attempted robbery.

According to Jewel Rana, Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Mohammadpur region of DMP, “Since the interim government assumed control, over 8,000 criminals have been apprehended in the Mohammadpur and Adabor areas, with the majority arrested for theft, robbery, and extortion.”

On March 8, it was reported that Motahar Hossain, the Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), was robbed near Residential Model College, where his mobile phone, wallet, and other valuables were taken.

Two suspects were subsequently arrested, identified as active members of a robbery gang.

Earlier, on February 21, a group of attackers assaulted the Abir Embroidery Factory in Mansurabad Housing, following the refusal of factory workers to comply with extortion demands and attempts to steal their mobile devices.

This incident led to protests, with workers and owners surrounding the Adabor police station, resulting in the police arresting five suspects involved in the attack.

Throughout the eighteen-month duration of the Yunus-led interim government, Bangladesh has faced escalating violence and a deteriorating law and order situation, with crime rates continuing to rise.