Staff Correspondent:

Since 2016, an average of ten murder cases were filed daily in Bangladesh each year for the next five years. By 2021, that number had fallen to nine. Even amid the widespread killings of protesters by law enforcement during the 2024 student-led mass uprising, an average of nine murder cases were registered daily across the country in 2024. In 2025, however, the daily average has increased. During the first nine months of 2025, roughly 11 murder cases were filed per day. According to police data, this marks the highest daily registration of murder cases in a decade. The police headquarters noted that some cases from previous years were officially recorded this year, contributing significantly to the increase.

Preparations for the 13th national parliamentary elections are underway. Experts note that while police and other law enforcement agencies have returned to administrative duties, their crime suppression efforts remain inadequate. They warn that failure to swiftly improve the law and order situation could affect the conduct of a free and fair election.

Figures from the police headquarters show that a total of 2,911 murder cases were filed across the country during the first nine months of 2025. Of these, 95 cases predate March 31. On a daily average, the data shows nearly 11 murders per day. Dhaka Division reported the highest number, with 685 cases, followed by the Dhaka Metropolitan area under the jurisdiction of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) with 352 cases. Most of these homicides were linked to suppressing political opponents and establishing local dominance.

Back in 2024, during the student-led mass uprising, law enforcement carried out extensive repression against protesters. To suppress the protest, police indiscriminately used gunfire, tear gas, and rubber bullets. In many locations, officers fired directly at the head and chest of demonstrators. Reports indicate the use of a variety of lethal weapons — including LMGs, SMGs, Chinese rifles, shotguns, revolvers, and pistols. Investigations by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) reveal that a total of 305,311 rounds were fired nationwide, with 95,313 rounds fired in Dhaka alone. According to the Ministry of Law, 837 cases were filed across Bangladesh alleging killings of students and citizens during the uprising under the directive of the then-Awami League government.

In total, a total of 3,432 murder cases were registered nationwide in 2024, including 158 cases from previous years. Despite the killings by law enforcement during the mass uprising, an average of roughly nine murder cases were filed daily across the country during that year. Dhaka Division recorded the highest number, with 803 cases, followed by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) area, which saw 339 murders in 2024. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, 352 murders were reported in Dhaka. The daily average of homicides in 2025 has surpassed last year’s figures, not only in the capital but across Dhaka Division.

Experts note that Dhaka, the country’s megacity, houses several times more people than any other city in Bangladesh. A significant portion of this population is transient. The city also experiences heightened political suppression, contributing to the higher incidence of murders. Several other factors drive the rising murder rate in Dhaka, including personal disputes, family conflicts, political motives, robberies, and street crimes. While many countries conduct detailed research on regional variations in crime to design reduction strategies, Bangladesh has yet to implement similar initiatives to understand or mitigate the causes of crime.

Dr. Tawohidul Haque, associate professor at the University of Dhaka’s Institute for Social Welfare and Research and a criminologist, told journalists, “Following the mass uprisings, necessary measures to control crime and uphold the rule of law, as well as the proper implementation of the existing legal framework, have been inadequate. As a result, crime continues to rise. Without ensuring justice, this will persist. This is compounded by law enforcement’s inability to act according to ground realities and by the political shelter and protection enjoyed by criminals.”

He added, “Overall, the situation now is such that people face abuse if they protest. They lack security. Because of this, few are willing to testify in cases. A climate of fear has developed, which encourages criminals to become more ruthless. This is creating social fragmentation. People believe that if they withdraw, avoid protests, and stay out of others’ troubles, they will be safe. In reality, this only makes them more vulnerable. In a state, no one is truly safe until everyone is safe for each other.”

During the third term of the ousted Awami League government (2019–2023), an average of roughly nine murders occurred daily. These killings were largely carried out to assert dominance and target political opponents. According to police data, 3,023 murders took place across the country in 2023, averaging eight murders per day. Most of these homicides were aimed at suppressing dissenting political voices. Back in 2022, there were 3,126 murders nationwide, while 2021 saw 3,214 cases, averaging around nine murders each day. In 2020 and 2019, a total of 3,539 and 3,653 murders were recorded, respectively, averaging ten murders daily in each of those years.

Since 2016, the country has consistently recorded an average of ten murders per day. That year saw a total of 3,591 people killed across Bangladesh, followed by 3,549 in 2017 and 3,830 in 2018. Each of these three years saw roughly ten murders daily.

During the ousted Awami League government’s second term (2014–2018), the number of murders was significantly higher. The third term saw a slight decline. However, 2025’s figures have already surpassed those previous totals.

AHM Shahadat Hossain, AIG (Media and PR) at the Police Headquarters, told journalists that an increase in registered cases does not necessarily mean more murders have occurred. He said, “While murder cases have risen slightly this year, it does not indicate an actual increase in killings. Many were unable to file cases in previous years due to various obstacles. Now, these cases have been registered based on complaints. There are hundreds of such cases. This is primarily the result of improved transparency in legal processes and better case documentation, not a rise in actual murders. Ahead of the upcoming national election, the police remain fully prepared and vigilant to maintain law and order.”

Several former police officials said that during the 2024 mass uprising and following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, the Bangladesh Police and their facilities became targets of public anger. 44 police officers were killed, and multiple stations, including those in Jatrabari and Uttara, were set on fire. Police services were effectively paralyzed. Three days later, on August 8, 2024, officers began returning to work with the support of the military. Police stations resumed patrols under military supervision.

Amid the security crisis, crimes such as murder, theft, and robbery increased nationwide in the post-uprising period. Police use of lethal force was restricted. Officers were even attacked while attempting to apprehend wanted suspects. As a result, although police returned to administrative duties, they were largely unable to maintain control over criminal activities.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam told journalists, “Many families were unable to file cases even when people were killed in previous years. Since the mass uprising, such cases are being registered, which has slightly increased the number of murder cases this year. Overall, the police continue to work on crime control. More visible improvements in law and order will be seen in the near future.”