Is Bangladesh Facing a Crime Surge in 2025 That Affects Women and Children the Most?
Synopsis
In 2025, Bangladesh faces a dramatic rise in crime, significantly impacting women and children. The alarming statistics reveal a surge in violent incidents, including murders and assaults. Experts attribute this to ongoing instability in law and order. This article delves into the pressing issues surrounding crime in the country and its implications for society.
Key Takeaways
Significant rise in crime rates in Bangladesh in 2025.
Women and children are the most affected demographics.
High numbers of reported cases of violence against women and children .
Political turmoil is linked to the increasing crime rate.
Urgent need for effective law enforcement .
Dhaka, Jan 8 (NationPress) Bangladesh is experiencing a troubling escalation in crime rates in 2025, with women and children disproportionately affected by the wave of violence. Reports indicate that serious offenses such as murder, banditry, and mob violence are on the rise, as highlighted by local media citing police data.
Experts suggest that this surge in criminal activity stems from ongoing law and order issues, stemming from the political turmoil after the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took power following the removal of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League administration.
According to crime statistics shared by Bangladesh's Bengali daily Bonik Barta, a total of 181,737 cases, including those related to rescues, were logged in 2025, with some incidents dating back to 2024.
The data indicates that a significant number of cases involved violence against women and children.
In the previous year, authorities recorded 21,936 cases of violence against women and children, alongside 12,740 theft cases and 3,785 murder cases.
Moreover, incidents of banditry were considerable, with police reporting 1,935 banditry cases throughout the year.
Additional figures include 702 robbery cases, 988 cases under the Speedy Trial Act, 66 rioting cases, 1,101 kidnapping cases, 601 incidents of assaults on police personnel, and 81,738 other cases recorded nationwide.
The tragic murder of four-and-a-half-year-old Roja Mani last year incited widespread public outrage. Her body was discovered in a garbage dump in Tejkunipara near the Bijoy Sarani overpass on May 13, 2025, just a day after she went missing from the Tejgaon area in Dhaka.
Reports indicate that her body showed signs of horrific torture, leading police to suspect she was strangled after enduring severe abuse.
In addition to the Roja Mani case, approximately 1,000 child abuse incidents were documented in the capital last year, with reports emerging from both educational institutions and workplaces across the nation.
In an interview with Bonik Barta, Touhidul Haque, an associate professor and criminologist at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, Dhaka University, remarked, "2025 has revealed shocking trends in our crime statistics. The increase in crime is largely due to the ongoing instability in law and order, which has severely impacted women and children."
"The breakdown of law and order following the political upheaval has had a profound effect on vulnerable populations. Additionally, serious crimes during this period include target killings and mob rule. To remedy this situation, we must ensure proper law enforcement," he stated.
Since the Yunus-led interim government's assumption of power, Bangladesh has been afflicted by escalating violence and a deteriorating law and order scenario.
Point of View
I acknowledge the gravity of the situation in Bangladesh. The rising crime rates, especially against women and children, highlight the urgent need for a restored law and order framework. It is crucial that we approach this issue with seriousness and advocate for effective measures to combat this surge in violence.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main crimes reported in Bangladesh in 2025?
The main crimes reported include violence against women and children, murders, banditry, and theft.
What factors are contributing to the rise in crime?
The rise in crime is attributed to ongoing law and order challenges following the political transition in Bangladesh.
How many cases of violence against women and children were reported?
In 2025, there were 21,936 reported cases of violence against women and children across Bangladesh.
What was the public reaction to the murder of Roja Mani?
The murder of four-and-a-half-year-old Roja Mani sparked widespread outrage among the public.
What do experts suggest to improve the situation?
Experts emphasize the need for effective law enforcement and the restoration of law and order to address the crime surge.
