THE government’s approach to the deteriorating law and order situation appears to be as chaotic and disjointed as the situation itself. The strategy, which consists largely of special drives and operations, is problematic on several counts. The launch of one special drive after another — or even simultaneously — especially in response to public criticism following violent crime incidents, is in itself an admission that law and order has become fragile. Yet, the government continues to claim — using crime data from the authoritarian Awami League era as a benchmark — that major crimes have not increased. This makes the approach contradictory. Even this claim does not align with data compiled by the police. That data shows a notable rise in several categories of major crimes, including murder, sexual violence against women, extortion, dacoity and mob violence. The claim, reflecting a culture of denial, stands at odds with the very fact that the government continues to launch special drives in an effort to control the situation.
In its latest move, the government has launched a nationwide combing operation, although earlier initiatives such as Operation Devil Hunt and other special drives appear to be still underway. What must be noted is that these operations have typically been launched only after violent crimes gained media traction and triggered public outrage. The recent combing operation appears no different. It seems to be a response to widespread criticism following a series of violent crimes, particularly the brutal killing near Mitford Hospital on July 9, where a group of people bludgeoned a scrap metal trader to death with a stone in broad daylight. The home affairs adviser has said that the nationwide drive is intended not only to address the deteriorating law and order but also to ensure a stable pre-election environment. While it is important that the government takes steps to curb crime, such special operations are often counterproductive. These drives are typically marked by indiscriminate arrests — law enforcers detained 1,568 people on the first day of the latest operation on July 13 — and by violations of rights, including custodial torture. In earlier operations conducted by interim and past governments, law enforcers were also reported to have engaged in unlawful practices, such as detaining people only to release them after taking bribes. These actions amount to an assault on citizens’ rights and on justice itself.
The government, therefore, needs to address several issues if it is to contain the surge in crime. First, it must reassess its current approach, which swings between denial and reluctant acknowledgment. Then, it must implement practical and carefully considered measures to improve law and order, while ensuring that justice and due process remain central to all efforts.