A series of brutal killings in recent weeks has renewed concerns over public safety across the country, raising questions about the effectiveness of policing, crime prevention efforts, and the overall law-and-order situation.
From gang-style and politically linked killings in Dhaka and Chattogram to murders allegedly committed by family members and acquaintances in different parts of the country, the incidents have deepened public anxiety.
Criminologists say the persistence of violent crimes is eroding people’s sense of safety, as incidents of murder, sexual violence, torture, and mob brutality continue.
They advised law enforcers to take a tougher stance against such crimes while stressing the need to strengthen community policing.
In the first four months of the year, at least 1,142 murder cases were filed across the country, up from 1,017 during the same period in 2025 and 1,006 in 2024.
According to Police Headquarters data, the highest number of cases this year was recorded in areas under the Dhaka Range, with 265 cases, followed by 225 in the Chattogram Range and 78 in the Dhaka Metropolitan area.
The data further show that murders rose to 317 in March from 250 in February and 287 in January, before dipping slightly to 288 in April this year.
Rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra’s data show that at least 115 children were killed in the first four months of the year. Among them, 12 were killed after alleged rape or attempted rape, 59 were killed following torture, while the bodies of 20 missing children were recovered.
In one of the most horrific recent incidents, eight-year-old Ramisa Akter, a second-grade student, was found beheaded in her neighbour’s home in Dhaka’s Pallabi on Tuesday. Police said preliminary investigations suggest the child was raped by her neighbour, Sohel Rana, before being murdered.
The gruesome incident has left the victim’s family devastated and sparked widespread outrage and anxiety.
Saika Sayeed, a schoolteacher and resident of Pallabi, said, “People are being murdered almost regularly. Even children are not being spared. One after another, incidents are taking place. It’s very frightening, and we don’t feel safe.
“Also concerning is that the culprits are sometimes arrested, but they get bail and commit crimes again.”
MAJOR INCIDENTS
Several incidents in April and May were marked by extreme brutality, fuelling concerns over rising violence and public safety.
At least 15 major killings reported during the period included family-related murders, mob attacks, gang violence, revenge killings, and assaults linked to personal disputes and criminal networks.
On Tuesday, Ramisa was allegedly killed by her neighbour in Dhaka’s Pallabi, while a man was hacked to death by local youths for protesting against drug abuse in Narayanganj.
Family-related violence also drew attention. On May 18, police recovered the bodies of a couple and their infant child in Madaripur, suspecting a murder-suicide. Earlier, on May 9, five members of a family, including three children, were brutally killed in Kapasia over a family dispute.
On May 17, the dismembered body of Saudi expatriate Mokarram Miah was recovered from Dhaka’s Manda area. Police arrested two women in connection with the murder.
Several incidents were linked to organised crime and revenge attacks. On May 7, Hasan Raju was shot dead in Chattogram’s Rowfabad -- which police described as a revenge killing -- while 11-year-old bystander Reshmi Akhter later died after being hit by bullets during the attack on Raju.
In Dhaka, listed criminal Khandoker Noyeem Ahmed Titon was shot dead near New Market on April 26, while suspected gang leader Alex Imon was hacked to death in Rayerbazar earlier that month.
Mob violence also remained a major concern.
According to the Human Rights Support Society, at least 71 people were killed in 132 mob-related incidents in the first four months of 2026. In April alone, 44 mob attacks left 22 people dead and 39 others injured.
In Kushtia, a pir was beaten and hacked to death on April 11 over allegations of hurting religious sentiments.
WEAK POLICING, SOCIAL DECAY FUELLING RISE
Political instability, economic inequality, and social degradation are driving a surge in brutal killings and violent crimes, said Omar Faruk.
“Following the events of August 5, the country’s social and political situation became fragile, while weaknesses in policing, lack of preventive measures, and poor coordination among law enforcement agencies created opportunities for criminals.
“Our system largely responds to crimes after they occur rather than focusing on prevention. If preventive measures, community awareness, and stronger social initiatives were prioritised, both crime and the fear of becoming victims could be reduced.”
Faruk said criminals now perceive the current situation as favourable due to what they see as weakened police preventive capacity, leading to an increase in murders, rape, and other violent crimes in recent months.
Many murders are being committed by acquaintances, including family members and neighbours, due to deteriorating social relationships, he said, adding that economic inequality, financial disputes, family conflicts, and social decay remain major drivers of violent crime.
“Law enforcement alone will not solve the problem,” Faruk said, calling for preventive social measures and stronger community involvement to stop the situation from worsening.
Contacted by The Daily Star, Khondaker Rafiqul Islam, additional inspector general (Crime and Operations) at the PHQ, said incidents of brutal crime appear to be increasing as people have become increasingly impatient and less tolerant, making such offences difficult to predict in advance.
“Unlike organised violence or unrest, personal enmities and individual motives behind these incidents are often hard to detect beforehand,” he said, adding that police have, however, been able to identify the causes behind each incident and collect evidence against those involved.
Referring to recent killings linked to juvenile gangs, political groups, and underworld networks, Rafiqul said law enforcers are continuing special drives and surveillance operations to prevent such crimes.
“No murder is desirable, and we always try to prevent such incidents. But if any crime occurs, our immediate priority is detection and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
He added that police have instructed officers in areas witnessing higher levels of violent crime to intensify monitoring of listed criminals and other suspects as part of routine crime prevention efforts.
