Crime falls, but violence against women and children rages on

While overall crime rates in Bangladesh saw a slight decline in January 2025 compared to the previous month, the continued prevalence of violence against women and children remains a pressing concern, demanding urgent policy intervention.

Data from the Police Headquarters reveal a notable drop in key categories of crime.

Dacoity cases fell sharply from 71 in December to 29 in January, while reported robberies decreased from 159 to 114. Similarly, kidnappings declined from 74 to 51, and burglaries saw a marginal dip from 237 to 228.
Despite these reductions, violent crime remains a pressing issue. The number of murders increased from 204 in December to 231 in January, reflecting a disturbing upward trend. Theft cases, meanwhile, showed little fluctuation, with 749 incidents reported in January compared to 729 in the previous month.

Alarming Trends in Violence Against Women and Children

Among the most pressing concerns is the high incidence of crimes targeting women and children. Official reports indicate 1,043 cases of repression against women and children in January-a slight drop from the 1,205 cases recorded in December. Yet, the persistently high numbers underscore a deeper systemic issue requiring immediate attention.

Rights bodies and advocacy groups are urging the government to strengthen legal safeguards, improve victim support systems, and launch community-based initiatives to combat violence and exploitation effectively.

Military Surveillance Credited for Crime Reduction

The Bangladesh Army's recent operations have contributed significantly to reducing crime, particularly in high-risk zones. Colonel Md. Shafiqul Islam, Colonel Staff of the Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters, announced in a February 18 press briefing at Dhaka Cantonment that targeted interventions have led to a decline in criminal activities such as mob justice, extortion, theft, and murder.

"We have identified crime-prone areas and placed them under 24-hour surveillance, resulting in a substantial drop in offenses," said Col Shafiqul Islam.

He provided specific figures to illustrate this progress: extortion cases have fallen from 250 to 110, thefts have dropped from approximately 850 to under 600, and murder cases have declined from over 350 to 120.

The Road Ahead: Policy and Community Action Needed

While certain crime rates have declined, experts caution that sustained efforts are necessary to address the root causes of criminal behavior.

The increase in violent offences and the continued prevalence of crimes against women and children highlight the urgent need for comprehensive policy reforms, community policing and increased public awareness.

Government officials and law enforcement agencies are being urged to enhance crime prevention measures, implement stricter enforcement mechanisms, and strengthen legal protections for victims. Experts stress that a multi-pronged approach-including economic empowerment, education, and social support-is critical to ensuring lasting safety and justice.