TDS Desk:

Dhaka, Khulna and Chattogram have effectively turned into crime zones, where criminals now operate with alarming impunity. Once limited to specific neighborhoods, crime has now spread across entire cities. Daily incidents of murder, mugging, extortion and drug trafficking have become disturbingly routine.

217 MURDERS IN DHAKA IN 180 DAYS

According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), 217 murders were recorded in the capital during the first six months of 2025. The victims are often ordinary citizens or businesspeople, while the perpetrators remain largely unchanged — only their political backing appears to have shifted. The protection rackets and criminal networks continue to operate under new banners, but with the same impunity.

The most brutal of recent crimes was the broad daylight murder of businessman Sohag in front of Mitford Hospital, an incident that surpassed previous atrocities in scale and savagery. DMP figures show 7,827 criminal cases were filed in Dhaka in the first half of 2025 — an 18% increase from the same period last year. The worst-affected areas include Sadarghat, Mugda, Jatrabari, Rupnagar, Mohammadpur, Badda, Rampura, and Mirpur.

CRIME NETWORKS REBRANDED

In many cases, old criminal networks continue to function under the guise of new political patrons. For example, notorious gang leader “Killer Badol” still dominates Mohammadpur’s underworld, supported by a different political actor than before. Even after the political change of 5 August, many gang members remain active and visible.

NO ONE DARES FILE A CASE

On 18 May, a businessman named Abu Alem was brutally attacked by known criminal “Chapati Kaiyum” in Mohammadpur. Days later, another businessman, Sabbir Ahmed, was similarly targeted. Both victims are still undergoing treatment, but neither family has dared file a police case due to fear of retaliation. Kaiyum is now allegedly protected by a local BNP leader, having previously served as a bodyguard to an Awami League figure.

CRIMINAL STRONGHOLDS IN MIRPUR AND KHILGAON

Mirpur’s criminal scene remains dominated by figures such as Ibrahim, who continues to manage extortion and drug trade from abroad. In Khilgaon and Nandipara, murder suspects from the Tipu case — including Rana Molla, Kader and Kala Babu — are reportedly involved in extortion, land grabbing and armed assaults.

CHATTOGRAM: CRIME CAPITAL IN WAITING

Bangladesh’s commercial capital is increasingly besieged by crime. The first half of 2025 alone saw at least 120 murders. Widespread drug abuse, rampant extortion, teenage gang violence, and unchecked turf wars are fuelling public fear. Yaba and ice (crystal meth) continue to flood the city through the Teknaf-Cox’s Bazar corridor. Chattogram University’s Dr Moumita Pal attributes the rise in crime to police inaction, youth unemployment, political patronage, and delays in justice.

KHULNA: DAYLIGHT MURDERS, PUBLIC FEAR

Once a hotbed for outlawed extremist groups, Khulna is now plagued by frequent murders and targeted killings. Police cite turf wars, drug disputes and political feuds as key drivers. On 11 July, Youth Dal leader Mahbubur Rahman was hacked and shot dead, prompting local BNP leaders to blame political motives and demand the removal of senior police officials.

In another case, three youths were shot on 27 June in Rupsa’s Rajapur area due to drug turf disputes. On 28 May, Roni Sardar, 24, was killed over a financial disagreement related to narcotics. Police investigations indicate that most recent killings are linked to localised control over drug territories.

EXTREMIST RESURGENCE?

Extremist elements, dormant for years, appear to be regrouping. On 16 March, top extremist Shahinul Haque was gunned down. On 9 January, another former councillor and extremist, Golam Rabbani Tipu, was killed in Cox’s Bazar. Similarities in the methods used suggest a resurgence of political violence tied to old rivalries.

POLICE RESPONSE

Khulna Metropolitan Police’s Additional Commissioner Abu Raihan Muhammad Saleh claims that, despite previous setbacks, police morale has been restored post-August 2024. In six months, 52 armed criminals — including notorious figures like Nur Azim, Haddi Sagar and Ali Noor — were arrested. Police recovered 18 firearms, seven magazines, and over 100 rounds of ammunition.

The situation in all three cities reflects a grim reality: without political will and systemic reform, law enforcement alone cannot curb the escalating tide of crime. Experts warn that unless criminal patronage ends and justice is delivered swiftly, large sections of urban Bangladesh may remain hostage to violence and fear.