More than 16,500 people were murdered across Bangladesh over the past five years, during the Awami League government’s third term.
On average, over nine murders took place per day, according to crime statistics published on the Bangladesh Police Headquarters (PHQ) website.
The police released this data on Thursday after a gap of over five years.
The figures show 16,555 murders were recorded between 2019 and December 2023. Each case may cover multiple killings, such as double or mass murders.
An analysis of the data reveals an annual average of 3,311 murders, with over 3,500 murders reported even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
During the same period, 9,955 robbery cases and 1,685 dacoity (organised robbery) cases were reported. However, the actual number of such crimes is believed to be much higher, as many victims avoid reporting incidents due to fear of harassment. Allegations persist that police often refuse to register dacoity cases, recording them as theft instead.
Additionally, 2,452 abduction cases and nearly 55,000 cases of theft were filed between 2019 and 2023.
Crime Data Released After Five Years
The PHQ used to regularly publish crime statistics on its website. However, in the lead-up to the 11th National Parliamentary Elections, numerous politically motivated “ghost cases” were filed against opposition leaders and activists. These cases, often fabricated, included charges like attacks on police and bomb-throwing.
A Prothom Alo report in December 2018 revealed that police filed 578 sabotage cases in Dhaka in September 2018 alone, alleging 90 attacks on law enforcers.
Following this, the police stopped publishing crime statistics and removed previously available data to avoid scrutiny.
Last Thursday, the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam addressed the issue. Following journalists’ inquiries, the IGP ordered the release of crime data from January 2019 to August 2024.
This data highlights alarming figures for crimes such as murder, robbery, theft, abduction, and violence against women and children during the Awami League’s third-term. Over 1,07,000 cases were filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, often covering rape incidents.
Additionally, 3,15,000 drug-related cases, nearly 14,000 smuggling cases, and over 9,000 illegal arms recovery cases were reported during this time.
Crime in Early 2024
In the first six months of 2024, 1,533 murders were reported. Other crimes included 183 robberies, 1,222 incidents of mugging and looting, 281 abductions, 9,000 cases of violence against women and children, 33,000 drug-related cases, 15,000 smuggling cases, and over 1,500 illegal arms recovery cases.
During the July Uprising
July and August 2024 saw heightened unrest, with student-led anti-discrimination protests escalating into a mass uprising. The government responded with lethal force, resulting in numerous civilian deaths.
Police statistics show 334 murders in July and 618 in August. During these months, there were 64 dacoity cases, 203 incidents of mugging, 59 abductions, and over 1,000 cases of theft.
Additionally, 2,774 cases of violence against women and children, 307 smuggling cases, 5,818 drug-related cases, and 149 illegal arms cases were also reported in this period.
The Awami League government fell on August 5 following the uprising. Many police stations were damaged, disrupting law enforcement operations and limiting the filing of new crime cases.
Daily Star
