Celebrations or chaos? Will law and order hold this Eid amid rising unease?

The law-enforcing agencies are not playing a strong role and criminals are seizing this as a special opportunity, Prof Omar Faruk says

“No Eid break this time for me - my employer [owner of the house] is heading to his hometown, so I only get time off once he's back. Some days ago police visited our house. Told me to keep the lights on at all times. They also asked us to check if CCTV cameras were working properly. [Police] are saying they won’t always be around, so we need to stay on our toes."

Ataur Rahman, a security guard at a house in Dhaka’s Adabor, shared his concerns ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, as anxiety over the country’s shifting political landscape and deteriorating law and order continues to weigh on him.

As authorities scramble to keep crime in check, nearly 10 million people are preparing to leave Dhaka for the Eid holidays.

In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued 14 safety guidelines aimed at securing homes, offices, and shops. But despite these efforts, many remain skeptical about their effectiveness.

Amid the uncertainty, a growing number of residents feel uneasy about celebrating Eid away from home.

Police have ramped up security measures across the city, deploying additional personnel in key areas. Still, concerns persist.

Law-enforcing officials say they are committed to maintaining law and order “with all their efforts” during the holiday period. Residents in various neighborhoods report being contacted by local police, who offered safety instructions and reassurances of heightened vigilance.

However, crime analysts warn that police’s appeal for citizens to manage some aspects of security on their own may embolden wrongdoers—potentially leading criminal activity to "swell".

Working in a private firm, Moslem Uddin, a resident of Adabor, is travelling to Rajshahi to spend Eid at his hometown as always.

To cut the travelling difficulties, he sent his wife and children to Rajshahi earlier.

While leaving the house empty has always been a concern, he spoke of gripping "fear and apprehension" this time under current "circumstances".

“In the current state of the country, robbery and stealing has become commonplace. Who knows what’ll happen in Dhaka if the number of people dwindles? Yet, I’ve to go to my hometown to celebrate Eid with my family. I go to my hometown only twice a year for the Eid holidays.”

“This time, police came door to door and asked us to stay alert about security. They’ve asked to keep CCTV cameras functioning and told guards to not slack off in their duties. But I still worry about leaving the home empty. I’ll tell those who live around [to watch out], the rest depends on Allah.”

A joint forces' special operation named Operation Devil Hunt has been in action since Feb 8 to keep a leash on criminals while murders, robberies and mugging are rampant.

Although the operation has not been called “Devil Hunt” since early March, the joint forces' operation has continued.

The mob beatings and vandalism has been compounded by incidents of rape and sexual assault since Aug 5.

PERSISTING ANXIETY

Helal, a legal officer at Pubali Bank identified with a single name, left his home at Dhaka's Dania on the night of Mar 8 to go to his workplace in Moulvibazar.

When he reached the Janpath intersection in Sayedabad around 1am to catch a bus, the robbers emerged from the shadows, beat him up and whisked away his phone and wallet, inflicting major injuries to both his hands during the assault.

Helal was in hospital care for nine days and returned home on Mar 17.

Doctors said it would take more time for him to recover.

His wife Nusrat Mehjabin said: “He [Helal] suffered fractures in both his hands in the beating by robbers that night and also sustained a head injury. He can’t even remember what happened at that time and is still in a stupor.”

“We’re in such a horrible state… I was at the hospital with my husband and my phone was stolen there. Anyway, it’s a lot that Allah brought him back alive.”

Helal said, “I often used to think about going out for Sehri during Ramadan before. Now we’re afraid to simply go outside after dark, let alone having Sehri.”

“I keep thinking all the time ‘when will I return home after work?’ Especially, things have become way less safe for women to move around.”

Jatrabari Police Station chief Kamruzzaman Talukder said, “Victims said they would file cases once they return from hospitals. But we get to work when anything happens and we’re doing the same in this case as well.”

“We arrest robbers in operations every day, but none for a specific incident.”

Police said they would carry out as many 1,334 patrols and set up 142 checkpoints in 50 police stations in Dhaka on Thursday and Friday in "public safety measures”.

The DMP said it had arrested a total of 393 people in the "88 operations" over the two days.

Meanwhile, a young man, named Md Selim who worked with embroidery, was stabbed multiple times and killed last Friday, Mar 21.

In connection with the incident, police arrested a man named Abul, who is identified with a single name.

Pallabi Police Inspector (Investigation) Abul Kayyum said, "It has been initially learnt that the murder of Selim occurred due to a family dispute with a person named Parvez and previous enmity over drugs. At least 8-10 people were involved in the murder, and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects."

Prof Muhammad Omar Faruk, chairman of the Department of Criminology and Police Science at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, believes that law-enforcing agencies are not in control of the current situation.

He told bdnews24.com, "They are unable to play a strong role. We have not been able to take the necessary steps that the authorities should have taken to control the situation."

"In this case, the criminals have taken advantage of the situation. They are using this opportunity to intensify crimes. They believe it is the right time to create a chaotic and unstable situation,” he said.

“They know they will not be brought under the law and will get away with many things. This mentality is driving them to increase their criminal activities," he added.

Despite the provision for the maximum punishment for “gang rape” under existing law, human rights activist Abu Ahmed Faijul Kabir believes that the deteriorating law and order is one of the reasons behind such crimes.

He told bdnews24.com, "It is true that the law provides for the maximum punishment for rape."

"Despite that, people are committing these crimes in an organised manner. Among many reasons, the law and order is a significant factor."

DISCUSSION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN

The death of an 8-year-old child, allegedly raped during a visit to her sister’s house in Magura, has caused an uproar across the country.

The victim was initially treated at a local hospital before being transferred to Dhaka Medical College and subsequently to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for advanced care.

Despite all efforts by the medical staff, the child passed away on the afternoon of Mar 13.

On Mar 8, the child's mother filed a case of rape and attempted murder against four individuals at Magura Sadar Police Station, all of whom have been arrested.

Around 10 days later, on the night of Mar 18, a 14-year-old boy was detained by police after allegations arose of him raping a child in Dhaka’s Khilkhet.

While the boy was being transported to the police station in a vehicle, an angry mob attacked the police car near Khilkhet Market, vandalising it and dragging the boy out, where they beat him.

During the clash with the crowd, six police officers were injured, and a car was damaged.

The following day, doctors confirmed that the 6-year-old child who had been raped showed signs of sexual assault.

The young boy who was the victim of mob justice remains in critical condition, according to medical staff at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

Khilkhet Police Station chief Kamal Hossain said, “The boy who was beaten by the mob and the child who was raped were receiving treatment at the DMCH.

Three injured police officers were also hospitalised, but the doctors said they were out of danger.”

According to data from the Law and Mediation Centre, 46 women were raped in February, while 29 children were raped, contributing to a total of 47 cases of child abuse in that month.

In February, there were also 36 child murders.

In January, 39 women were raped, and 23 children were victims of rape, bringing the total number of child abuse cases to 37.

That month, 34 children were murdered.

Among the incidents of rape and abuse, a robbery and sexual assault on a bus travelling from Dhaka to Rajshahi on the night of Feb 17 sparked widespread discussion.

After delays in filing the case, three individuals were arrested on the night of Feb 21.

On Mar 1, a public dispute over smoking near Aarong in Dhaka’s Lalmatia between two young women and one Golam Mostakim Rinku intensified, causing tensions and leading to a few hours of police intervention.

The following day, there were student protests across different locations demanding the resignation of Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury following his statement regarding the public smoking ban.

After a lengthy discussion and controversy, Rinku, the person accused of harassment, was arrested on the night of Mar 9.

Human rights activist Abu Ahmed Faijul Kabir, commenting on the rising violence against women, told bdnews24.com: “Violence against women or gender-based violence has always existed, but when we look at the numbers, the situation may seem worse now.”

“Given the deterioration in the law and order, criminals are exploiting this opportunity to increase crimes, and similarly, they are committing acts of violence against women."

DIG Ahsan Habib Palash of Chattogram Range said, “Police are working hard, not just during the day, but also at night. We may not be able to cover every area, but crime is decreasing."

“Why are incidents of rape or harassment occurring so frequently all of a sudden? I don’t know. But look—are we able to uncover the facts in each case? Incidents are happening, but are we responding effectively? That’s what matters.”

When asked about the inability to control crime, DIG AKM Awlad Hossain of the Dhaka Range avoided giving a direct answer, saying: "It’s not possible to respond in one word."

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police Headquarters Enamul Haque Sagor said, “We are continuing our maximum efforts. We also seek the cooperation of the public—if anyone has any specific information about a crime or criminal, they should share it with us. Overall, we are working with professionalism and commitment to the best of our ability.”

EID SECURITY PREPARATIONS

On Mar 8, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali addressed the citizens, saying: "As the police commissioner, I want to inform and request you all, please ensure the security arrangements for your homes, flats, shops, and businesses before leaving for your hometowns."

Such statements are believed to increase anxiety among the public, according to Associate Professor Md Tawohidul Haque from the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at Dhaka University.

He remarked, "Eid security is not a major issue, but statements like these from police have raised fear among people.

“Those who are going home will travel with worries in their minds, while their bodies may be at home, but their thoughts will remain in Dhaka,” he said.

“In the context of our country, in one sense, it’s good that police are saying 'we can’t handle this'. In over 30 areas of Dhaka, there’s a higher tendency for robbery. People living in these areas will now be more cautious while travelling home. It means everyone must ensure their own security,” he added.

However, a police officer clarified: "Ensuring security on your own does not mean police will not be on the ground. Police will carry out their duties even more than usual during this period.

“But if every citizen remains cautious from their end and pays attention to their security while travelling home, the risks significantly decrease. That’s why we’ve asked everyone to remain vigilant from their respective places."

In light of the situation, societies and associations in different areas of Dhaka have suggested increasing security measures.

“We are conducting daily patrols along with police,” said Bulbul Ahmed, the security guard of Niketan Society, a residential area in the capital.

“Our society will hold several more meetings on the occasion of Eid. Then a final decision will be made on the matter.”

In Lalmatia, similar measures are in place.

Mahfuzur Rahman, the chief coordinator of the NHA Apartment Complex, said the community has been proactive since August.

“We have been working on security since Aug 5, 2024,” he told bdnews24.com.

“This time, everyone will be instructed to be extra vigilant from their respective locations on the occasion of Eid.”

The home owners association in Shewrapara has also ramped up security measures.

“We have made all kinds of preparations from our place,” said Ahad Ali, the association’s president.

“We held a meeting and gave several instructions to the homeowners. We will deliver those instructions to each resident in the form of leaflets.”

Night guards, he added, would not be given leave until homeowners returned after Eid.

“We are checking the CCTV cameras in the area to see if they are all working,” he said.

“We are also asking residents who are going home to check their doors and windows carefully.”

The local police, he noted, had visited a mosque in the area to brief residents and provide emergency contact information for night guards.

WHAT ARE POLICE AND RAB FORCES THINKING?

In Dhaka’s Tejgaon Division, police are using mosque loudspeakers to disseminate safety instructions, urging residents to take precautions before leaving their homes.

“We are reminding people to turn on CCTV cameras, lock doors and windows, switch off electrical appliances, and store valuables such as cash and gold in a secure place,” said Jewel Rana, additional deputy commissioner of police for Tejgaon.

Police patrols will be increased during the holiday, he added.

“Those remaining in the city are encouraged to contact authorities for any security concerns, including ensuring adequate street lighting,” said Jewel.

He continued, “Many homeowners go home from Dhaka to celebrate Eid. Taking this opportunity, the doormen of the houses show laxity in many cases. They have been told through the owners' association not to do so.”

“Similarly, we have held several meetings with the shop owners' associations and secretaries of several markets. Our forces are deployed in the markets. Even after that, the associations have been asked to keep their own security arrangements in force until after Eid.”

Beyond the security of largely empty residential neighbourhoods, police are also taking extra measures to manage the mass movement of travellers heading to their home villages.

At the heavily trafficked Sayedabad bus terminal, additional officers will be deployed, and a temporary control room will be set up to monitor the situation, said Kamruzzaman Talukder, chief of Jatrabari Police Station.

“We will not allow any lapse in maintaining law and order,” he said.

Lt Col Ashikur Rahman, director of RAB's law and media wing, said, “If parts of the city become too empty, there is always a risk of crime increasing.”

“In this case, our patrol activities will continue and our intelligence surveillance will continue in the hotspots.”

In addition to patrolling residential areas, RAB has also intensified security measures at bus stations, ferry and train terminals, where people will gather for their journey home.

Undercover officers are stationed in busy shopping centres, Rahman said.

“Guidelines have been issued to all RAB battalions from the headquarters,” he added.

“Our intelligence surveillance continues in crowded shopping malls, and we will maintain an active presence in high-traffic areas throughout the holiday.”

AUXILIARY FORCE AT WORK

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced the deployment of an "auxiliary force" to enhance security across residential areas, shopping malls, and various institutions.

The initiative, aimed at ensuring a festive yet secure atmosphere, comes as authorities ramp up efforts to prevent crime during the holiday period.

The newly formed force comprises 419 individuals, drawn from private security personnel working in shopping centres and residential communities.

Without additional salary or allowances, these individuals have been designated to assist law-enforcing agencies.

This auxiliary force will be on duty during Eid.

Authorities are also encouraging public awareness regarding security measures, urging residents to take precautions before leaving their homes for the holidays.

The guidelines issued by the DMP include:

Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked before leaving any residence or institution. Multiple locks can be used if necessary.

Store money, valuables, and important documents in a safe place, preferably in a bank locker or under the care of a trusted relative.

Inform neighbours or nearby residents of planned absences and request them to keep an eye on the house. Maintain regular phone contact with them.

Tenants should notify landlords in advance if they will be away for Eid.

Instruct security personnel at homes and establishments to prevent unauthorised entry.

Before departing, ensure that all electrical switches, water taps, and gas stoves have been turned off.

For emergency assistance, residents can contact the DMP control room at 01320037845, 01320037846, 223381188, 0247119988, or 029619999.

Police services are also available through the national emergency hotline, 999.