Is Muhammad Yunus Failing to Address Bangladesh's Rising Crime Crisis?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rising crime rates in Bangladesh have become a pressing concern.
- High-profile incidents of violence have shocked the nation.
- The government faces criticism for its inaction and denial of the situation.
- Citizens are calling for greater accountability and justice.
- Human rights organizations warn of the risks posed by ongoing violence.
Dhaka, July 15 (NationPress) The Awami League has criticized the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, for failing to acknowledge the alarming rise in crime across the nation. This surge includes a disturbing increase in brutal murders, rapes, mob lynching, extortion, and land grabs. The party argues that this escalation has been particularly evident since the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
One particularly harrowing incident occurred in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district, where police discovered the gruesome murder of a mother, Moyna Begum, aged 25, alongside her two children – seven-year-old Raisa and two-year-old Nirab. This horrific event has left the local community in utter shock and fear.
In a stark contrast, Yunus has publicly stated that there is 'no deterioration in the law and order situation' in Bangladesh. The Awami League responded, highlighting that as violent crimes such as murders, rapes, mob lynching, extortion, and land grabs increase, citizens find themselves vulnerable and terrified. Human rights organizations warn that this denial from the government exacerbates the crisis, allowing violence to spread and justice to evade the victims.
Analysis from the leading daily, Prothom Alo, indicates a significant rise in murder cases from January to June 2025. Reports show an increase from 294 cases in January to 344 by June.
Recently, the brutal killing of a 43-year-old scrap dealer, Lal Chand Sohag, in Dhaka over an extortion matter has not only shocked Bangladeshis but also drawn international condemnation towards the Yunus-led interim government for the rampant lawlessness in the country. Reports indicate he was lynched by a group linked to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who even celebrated over his lifeless body.
In another shocking incident, a Hindu woman was gang-raped in her home in Cumilla district, with perpetrators filming the assault and sharing it online.
Despite the escalating violence, Yunus maintains on social media that data does not support claims of a significant rise in major crime categories. He asserts that while some crimes have increased, many serious offenses are either declining or stable. He urged citizens to remain vigilant but expressed confidence in law enforcement's ability to maintain order.
Since the Yunus-led interim government assumed power in August 2024, there have been numerous violent attacks against journalists, police, minorities, and Awami League affiliates. Allegations of killings, arbitrary arrests, unchecked mob violence, and religiously motivated attacks on Hindus and their temples remain unaddressed.