MUNTAKIM SAAD

A surge in shootings, targeted killings, and armed attacks fuelled by political feuds and underworld rivalries has exacerbated law‑and‑order concerns, with police recording 915 murder cases nationwide in just three months, an average of more than 10 killings a day.

Analysts say illegal firearms, weak policing, and the return of top criminals after the 2024 political changeover are driving the violence. They say political rivalries and factional feuds have spilt onto the streets, with gangs now used as tools of power, setting off targeted attacks across the country.

Police Headquarters data shows that of the 915 murder cases, 317 were recorded in March, just after the BNP took office, followed by 288 in April and 310 in May.

In the same three months of 2025, 993 cases were filed, but 226 of those were carry-overs from earlier incidents, putting the comparable figure at 767. In 2024, the figure for that period stood at 794.

This year, Dhaka Range recorded the highest number of murders during the period with 207 cases, followed by Chattogram with 186, Rajshahi with 106, and Khulna with 84. Among metropolitan areas, Dhaka topped the list with 57 murders, the data shows.

The recurring murders and criminal activities in broad daylights have raised fresh concerns among citizens over the country’s law and order.

“We don’t feel safe. Killings, shootings, and muggings have become alarmingly frequent. People expect safety and security, but it appears the law-and-order situation has not improved despite repeated assurances,” said Khairul Hasan, a resident of Mohammadpur in Dhaka.

The latest killing took place Saturday, when Jubo Dal leader Masudul Haque Chowdhury was gunned down in broad daylight at In

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