Crime Drops in BD, Violence Against Women Continues

Crime Reduction Highlights

According to data from the Police Headquarters, several key crime categories showed improvement. The number of dacoity cases dropped significantly from 71 in December to 29 in January, while robberies decreased from 159 to 114. Kidnappings also saw a decline, falling from 74 to 51, and burglaries saw a marginal dip from 237 to 228.

However, not all trends were positive. Violent crime remains a major concern. The number of murders rose from 204 in December to 231 in January, reflecting an unsettling increase. Similarly, theft cases remained largely unchanged, with 749 reported incidents in January compared to 729 the month before.

The Alarming Reality of Violence Against Women and Children

A major cause for concern remains the high rate of violence against women and children. Official statistics indicate that 1,043 cases of violence against women and children were reported in January, a slight decrease from the 1,205 cases in December. However, these numbers remain alarmingly high, highlighting an ongoing systemic issue that requires urgent action.

Human rights organizations and advocacy groups are calling on the government to bolster legal protections, improve victim support systems, and introduce community-based initiatives to address violence and exploitation more effectively.

Military’s Role in Crime Reduction

Recent military operations have contributed to the overall decline in criminal activities, especially in high-risk areas. Colonel Md. Shafiqul Islam, Colonel Staff of the Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters, announced during a press briefing on February 18 at Dhaka Cantonment that the army’s strategic interventions have successfully reduced crimes such as mob justice, extortion, theft, and murder.

“We have deployed surveillance in crime-prone areas around the clock, leading to a marked reduction in offenses,” Col. Shafiqul Islam stated.

He shared specific figures illustrating this progress: extortion cases decreased from 250 to 110, thefts fell from approximately 850 to under 600, and murders dropped from over 350 to 120.

The Path Forward: A Call for Stronger Policies and Community Involvement

Despite the promising declines in certain crimes, experts caution that long-term success requires sustained efforts. The rise in violent crimes and the ongoing prevalence of violence against women and children underscore the need for more robust reforms and initiatives.

The government, law enforcement agencies, and local communities must collaborate to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of violence and criminal behavior. Advocates are urging stronger crime prevention measures, stricter enforcement of laws, and enhanced protections for victims. Experts argue that a multi-faceted approach, which includes economic empowerment, education, and social support, is essential to ensure lasting safety and justice.

As Bangladesh continues its fight against crime, safeguarding vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, must be prioritized, ensuring that both immediate actions and long-term solutions are implemented to create a safer and more just society for all.