We are worried about the continued law-and-order fallout due to the re-emergence of criminal gangs under kingpins who were, until recently, behind bars. Their involvement is partly responsible for the surge in criminal activities such as theft, mugging, robbery, extortion, and abduction. Equally alarmingly, these gangs are also engaging in public clashes to assert dominance, sometimes even in the presence of law enforcers, creating panic among citizens.

On Friday night, for instance, two computer traders were hacked with machetes by a gang of 20 in front of the Multiplan Centre in Elephant Road, Dhaka. Despite the presence of a police outpost and a traffic police box nearby, no intervention was made to rescue the victims. According to a report by this daily, the attack is supposedly linked to a power struggle between two top criminals—Sanjidul Islam alias Emon of Hazaribagh and Imamul Hasan Helal alias Picchi Helal of Mohammadpur. Both were listed as top criminals in 2001 and are among the 43 high-profile criminals who secured bail in various cases after the political changeover on August 5.

As we know, following the uprising, the law enforcement situation in the country became fluid in large part due to the absence of a fully functional police force. However, although over five months have passed since then, police still seem to be struggling to regain their footing, leaving room for criminal activities to thrive. It goes without saying that the resurgence of such crimes not only endangers public safety but also poses a threat to businesses and the economy. A report by this daily has quoted several businesspeople in the capital who allegedly received extortion demands and violent threats from the gangs of top criminals. Some have had to pay extortion fees to multiple groups. Many are not even reporting these threats out of a fear of retaliation.

The country’s businesses are already grappling with the fallout of the previous regime’s corruption and financial irregularities, which left behind a huge debt for us along with a fragile banking system. The additional menace of criminal gangs is only making things worse, undermining business confidence and creating an untenable environment for economic recovery amidst high inflation and unemployment.

While it may be too late now to question the decisions that granted bail to so many criminals and militants after August 5, it is not too late for the police to act decisively. They must proactively monitor these individuals, keep criminal gangs under strict surveillance, and respond swiftly to any complaints about their activities. Rebuilding confidence in law enforcement is essential for fostering a stable environment where businesses can flourish, economic challenges can be tackled and, overall, citizens can feel safe across the country.