In the seven months since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returned to power in February 2026, concerns over the country’s law and order situation have intensified, highlighting a notable shift in government communication compared to the BNP’s earlier tenure in 2002.

When Khaleda Zia, then prime minister during BNP’s second term, publicly acknowledged in October 2002 that crime had surged and pledged more time to restore order, she adopted a candid tone with the public. In contrast, current Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has repeatedly dismissed claims of worsening security, asserting that official data do not indicate a decline in law and order. Despite reports from the prime minister’s information adviser confirming rising murder rates, Salahuddin has questioned the validity of such figures and requested to review related documents.

This divergence in messaging comes amid a series of violent incidents in Dhaka over a recent 48-hour span, which underscore persistent challenges in crime prevention and law enforcement responsiveness. On a Thursday night in late September, more than 200 masked individuals reportedly attacked the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1, a health facility serving vulnerable populations. The assailants tied up security personnel, looted medical supplies and cash, and destroyed the nearly five-decade-old center just hours before a scheduled vaccination campaign. Local sources and BNP insiders have alleged involvement by supporters of a reserved-seat MP, tied to a factional land dispute. Police reportedly did not intervene during the attack, and those arrested appear to be hired laborers, leaving broader organizational involvement unclear.

Further incidents included an early morning attempt by armed men to seize a multi-storey building in Shyamoli Housing, Adabor, previously recovered by police in March after being unlawfully occupied and extorted property owners. Police response was delayed by over two hours despite emergency calls. On the same morning, hundreds reportedly engaged in a violent land grab in Mohammadpur, resulting in property damage and looting; thirteen arrests have been made in relation to these events.

Later that night, a large group attacked the New Gini Properties housing complex in ECB Chattar, targeting the studio of content creator Salman Muqtadir. Police characterized the attack as stemming from a land dispute and arrested five individuals. Observers note a pattern in these episodes of organized groups operating with apparent impunity, compounded by inconsistent police intervention often influenced by political affiliation.

Analysts emphasize that these incidents represent more than a mere decline in public safety. They point to systemic deficiencies in law enforcement’s ability to uphold the state’s legitimate use of force—a principle highlighted by sociologist Max Weber—and allegations that coercive power is outsourced to partisan networks. Critics contend this undermines the state’s monopoly and compromises the rule of law.

Since assuming office, the BNP government has faced entrenched challenges inherited from previous administrations, including a demoralized and politicized police force and a history of political violence resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Data compiled by the rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) indicate 66 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries linked to political violence in the first half of 2026, along with dozens of deaths in custody and extrajudicial killings. Mob violence remains a significant concern, with 154 deaths recorded from January to August.

Government statements claiming improvements in crime response—for instance, that suspects are arrested within 24 to 48 hours—stand in contrast to delayed or absent police action in some recent cases. This discrepancy fuels a growing public perception of insecurity, which officials have yet to adequately address.

Experts argue that rather than disputing perceptions or relying solely on data comparisons, the government’s priority should be transparent acknowledgment of ongoing issues and a commitment to substantive reform. This includes establishing a professional, impartial police force capable of operating free from political influence, strengthening investigative and intelligence capacities, and dismantling networks that enable criminal activity under political patronage.

Whether the current BNP administration can effectively implement these measures remains a critical question as Bangladesh confronts complex security challenges amidst rising public unease.