62 murders in Khulna in 15 months: People in panic as law and order situation deteriorates

Local Correspondent

The law and order situation in Khulna district is becoming increasingly dire. In the last 15 months, 62 murders have occurred in 9 upazilas of the district, leaving the local people in severe insecurity. Among these, Rupsha upazila has become a hot spot for murders.

Most of these incidents have been linked to drug trafficking, old rivalries, and political power struggles, which have further destabilized the crime scene in the entire district. The law and order situation is deteriorating at an alarming rate.

The highest level of violence was seen in Rupsha Upazila, adjacent to the district headquarters, where 15 killings occurred. On the other hand, the lowest number of killings was recorded in Terkhada, with two. These killings, spread across the district, are creating fear among the people, especially after the announcement of the election schedule.

The district police claim that they have solved 43 murders so far and that progress is being made in most of the cases. However, civil society is saying that the real situation is much more dire than the police claim, as the number of murders is increasing.

How many murders in which upazila?

Murders have been on the rise since the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024 until November this year. Of these, 15 were in Rupsa, 2 in Terkhada, 4 in Dighalia, 10 in Fultala, 11 in Dumuria, 4 in Batiaghata, 7 in Dakop, 4 in Paikgachha, and 5 in Koyra. Of these incidents, five were shootings, three were serious injuries, two were strangulations, and 9 deaths were due to ‘unknown causes’.

Crime ‘hot zone’: Rupsha

Senior police officials admit that Rupsha is now a crime hotspot in the district. Surrounded by rivers and roads, this area has become an ideal escape route for criminals. Violence is almost constant here for the sake of dominance and drug dealing.

There are more than 50 drug spots in the areas of Phultala, Dighalia, Rupsa, Dumuria and Batiyaghata, which are run by a powerful network. Locals allege that this gang has been able to remain active for a long time by managing some dishonest policemen.

Advocate Babul Haolder, member secretary of Khulna Civil Society, said, “People are now living in fear. The situation could become more delicate at any time as the political arena heats up.”

The police claim that they have succeeded in arresting and solving most of the cases and that the situation is under their control. Newly appointed Superintendent of Police Mahabubur Rahman said that they are ready to deal with any subversive situation during the election period.