The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) Bangladesh expresses deep concern over the alarming rise in violent crimes and human rights violations across the country during the first four months of 2026. The growing incidents of murder, abduction, robbery, theft, mugging, and violence against women and children reflect a serious deterioration in public security and the rule of law in Bangladesh.

According to data obtained from Police Headquarters and other sources, a total of 1,142 people were killed nationwide between January and April this year. During the same period, 13,221 criminal cases were filed involving five major categories of crime: murder, abduction, violence against women and children, robbery and banditry, and theft and mugging. This means that, on average, 3,305 cases were filed each month and approximately 110 criminal cases were recorded every day.

Police Headquarters data further show that 1,142 murder cases were filed during the first four months of the year. On average, this translates to 246 murder cases per month and three murder cases every day. In the same period, 591 cases related to banditry were recorded, averaging 47 cases per month. A total of 184 robbery cases were filed, nearly two cases every day. Cases involving theft and mugging reached 4,099, averaging 124 cases per month and 34 cases per day.

Meanwhile, 347 abduction cases were filed, amounting to 87 cases per month and nearly three cases every day. Violence against women and children remains especially alarming, with 5,998 cases filed during the same period. This means that, on average, 1,490 such cases were recorded every month and more than 50 cases every day.

According to crime analysts, the increase in these crimes is being driven by local power struggles, extortion, economic instability, personal and family disputes, and the lack of swift and effective action by law enforcement agencies. These factors are contributing to a growing sense of insecurity and fear among ordinary citizens.

Family members of victims report that most of them have yet to receive justice for the killings of their loved ones. In many cases, the perpetrators remain unidentified or have not been arrested, further deepening public frustration and distrust in the justice system. The culture of impunity and the apparent inability to ensure accountability continue to weaken confidence in state institutions.

Statistics from Police Headquarters also show that a total of 181,737 cases were filed nationwide in 2025, with an average of 15,145 cases per month. The current trend indicates that the country is continuing on a deeply troubling path of rising violence and criminality.

ISHR Bangladesh believes that the protection of citizens’ lives and fundamental rights is the primary responsibility of the state. The current situation demands urgent and effective measures from the government to restore law and order, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and ensure justice for victims and their families. Immediate action must be taken to improve policing, address the root causes of violence, and protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

A society cannot move forward when fear, insecurity, and violence become normalized. ISHR Bangladesh calls upon the government, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and the international community to work collectively to address this growing crisis and uphold the rule of law and human dignity in Bangladesh.

Hasan Hamid
ISHR National Associate & Country Representative in Bangladesh
International Society for Human Rights (ISHR)