Government launches nationwide ‘combing operation’ to tackle surge in crime

Amid growing public alarm over a surge in violent crime, the government on Sunday launched a nationwide combing operation aimed at restoring law and order and ensuring public safety.

The move follows a steep rise in incidents of murder, armed robbery, extortion, mugging, and mob violence across the country, leaving many citizens fearful even in their own homes.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed the launch of the special crackdown while speaking to reporters after a law and order meeting at the secretariat in the capital.

“We’ve seen a worrying increase in crimes including murder, theft, extortion, violence against women and children, drug trafficking, and smuggling,” said Jahangir. “Law enforcement agencies will now carry out extensive combing operations alongside their regular duties.”

He assured citizens of increased vigilance by law enforcement personnel, vowing that no criminal or instigator of unrest would be spared.

“The public must not take the law into their own hands,” he added. “Upholding law and order is the state’s responsibility.”

Jahangir also called for public cooperation in tackling the crime wave, emphasising that curbing lawlessness requires collective effort. Several other advisers of the interim government attended the high-level meeting.

According to a statement from the home ministry’s Public Relations Office, the combing operation will focus on individuals already identified as criminals in law enforcement databases.

Bangladesh Police data shows a notable year-on-year rise in reported crimes between January and May 2025. Murder cases climbed to 1,587 from 1,265 during the same period in 2024. Armed robbery cases more than doubled to 318 from 147, while general robbery rose to 821 from 585.

Crimes against women and children—including domestic violence and abuse—reached 9,100 cases, up from 7,313 last year. Kidnappings increased to 436 from 250, and burglaries ticked up slightly to 1,109 from 1,104.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Support Society reported at least 29 cases of cyber and gender-based crimes between January and June 2025.

July has seen a particularly disturbing spate of violent incidents in Dhaka and beyond, including murders, muggings, mob attacks, and robberies.

Among the most shocking cases was the gruesome killing of Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, in Mitford, Dhaka last Wednesday, and the triple murder of a family in Muradnagar, Cumilla on July 3. These events triggered public outrage and criticism over law enforcement’s inability to prevent such acts.

Col Mohammad Abdul Hoque (retd), chairman of the Retired Armed Forces Officers’ Welfare Association (RAOWA), blamed the deteriorating law and order situation on political disunity.

“In the past, political parties stood united against common threats,” he told Daily Sun. “Now, they’re fragmented and adversarial. Social media is also fueling unrest. I believe a combing operation is necessary to bring back stability.”

Former Deputy Inspector General of Police Khan Sayeed Hasan, however, voiced cautious skepticism. “This initiative might end up being more symbolic than substantive,” he said. “The joint forces already have magistracy powers on the ground—so why was this delayed?” Still, he expressed hope that the operation would have a positive impact.

Police spokesperson Enamul Haque Sagor clarified that the combing operation is essentially an intensified version of ongoing enforcement efforts.

“All police units have been directed to scale up their activities,” he said.