Country in Crisis from Extortion, Murder, and Terror: People Gripped by Insecurity

Staff Correspondent

The increase in murders, extortion and terrorism across the country has created extreme panic among the public. From ordinary people to businessmen, teachers, transport workers, and even the visually impaired are suffering from insecurity. Public murders and organized extortion in various places have created a severe crisis in the lives of citizens.

The violence of extortionists has increased at an alarming rate in various districts including the capital. In many cases, the victims are not even able to complain to the police out of fear. Cases of organized extortion by forming ‘mobs’ of coordinators have also come to light. On the night of July 27, a group of extortionist youths were caught in the police trap in Gulshan, from whom important information is coming out.

There have been allegations of murders committed in various parts of the country, including Narsingdi and Mymensingh, without receiving extortion money. Victims have taken to the streets in Mohammadpur, Savar, Mirsarai, Chittagong, Jhenaidah and Ashulia to protest against extortion. People from various professions, including students, teachers, workers, businessmen, have formed human chains and held protest programs.

Teachers, students and guardians of 70 educational institutions in Mohammadpur-Adabor took part in a march against extortion. In Savar-Birulia, more than four hundred visually impaired people took part in a human chain protesting threats and shop occupation demanding extortion. Thus, people helpless against terrorism and extortionists have now taken to the streets.

Murder statistics paint a horrifying picture:

According to the crime statistics of the police headquarters, 3,857 murder cases were registered in a year from July last year to June this year. Of these, 903 cases were in the Dhaka range alone, which is more than any other region of the country. While there were an average of 256 murder cases per month from January to June 2024, it increased to an average of 288 in the following year 2024-25.

Experts say that these statistics prove that the law and order situation is deteriorating and the security forces are failing miserably in controlling crime. Among the public killings and incidents that have caused a stir are the public killing of businessman Md. Sohag alias Lal Chand in the Mitford area of Old Dhaka on July 9. On May 28, a couple Nazmul Hasan Pappu and Dolna were stabbed to death in Mirpur. On May 8, contractor Anwar Hossain was murdered in Badda. On May 15, BNP leader Kamrul Ahsan Sadhan was shot dead in Gudaraghat.

Analysts say political, social, land disputes, and drug and extortion are among the reasons behind these killings.

Although Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury claims that the government has taken a strict stance to improve the law and order situation. Even police spokesperson AIG Enamul Haque said that a zero tolerance policy is being followed to combat extortion and terrorism.

However, the victims say that their words are not reflected in reality. Rather, there are allegations that the government is indifferent in various areas and is encouraging mob violence.