Amid mounting concern over a sharp rise in violent crimes, the government on Sunday launched a countrywide combing operation in a bid to rein in lawlessness and restore public safety.

The announcement came as incidents of murder, armed robbery, extortion, mugging, and mob violence reached alarming levels across the country, with many citizens feeling unsafe even within their own homes.

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

“The rates of murder, theft, extortion, violence against women and children, drug trafficking, smuggling and other crimes have surged,” said Jahangir.

“This is why the law enforcement agencies will now carry out a full-scale combing operation in addition to their routine duties.”

He assured the public that law enforcers would maintain heightened vigilance to protect citizens. “No criminal or instigator of anarchy will be spared,” he declared.

“We want to remind everyone not to take the law into their own hands. It is the state’s duty to uphold law and order.”

Jahangir urged the public to support the authorities in their efforts, stressing the need for collective responsibility in curbing crime.

Several other advisors of the interim government were present at the high-level meeting.

A press release issued by the home ministry’s Public Relations Office stated that the combing operation would specifically target individuals already listed as criminals.

According to official data published by Bangladesh Police, from January to May 2025, the number of reported crimes has seen a notable increase compared to the same period last year.

During these five months, police recorded 1,587 murder cases – a steep rise from 1,265 in the same timeframe in 2024. Armed robbery (dacoity) cases more than doubled to 318 from 147, while general robbery reports climbed to 821, up from 585.

Crimes against women and children, including domestic violence and abuse, reached 9,100 cases – up from 7,313 last year. Kidnappings rose to 436 from 250, and burglary incidents slightly increased to 1,109, compared to 1,104 the previous year.

Additionally, the Human Rights Support Society reported a rise in cyber and gender-based crimes between January and June, documenting at least 29 incidents during that time.

In the current month alone, a series of violent crimes, including murders, snatching incidents, mob attacks, and robberies, have rocked the capital and other parts of the country.

Particularly shocking was the brutal murder of Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, in Mitford, Dhaka last Wednesday, and the killing of three members of a single family in Muradnagar, Cumilla on 3 July.

These incidents sparked public outrage both at home and abroad and drew criticism over law enforcement’s failure to prevent such tragedies.

Col Mohammad Abdul Hoque (retd), chairman of the Retired Armed Forces Officers’ Welfare Association (RAOWA), linked the rise in crime to political disunity.

“Previously, political parties were united against a common adversary,” he said.

“Now, they’re divided and hostile towards each other. Social media is also playing a role in worsening the situation. In my view, a combing operation is necessary to help restore order.”

Former Deputy Inspector General of Police Khan Sayeed Hasan expressed mixed feelings about the initiative.

“This operation may end up being more symbolic than effective,” he said.

“The joint forces are already on the ground with magistracy power – why wasn’t such an operation launched earlier?” Still, he expressed hope that it would yield positive results.

Police spokesperson Enamul Haque Sagor explained that the combing operation represents an intensification of existing enforcement activities.

“We have already instructed all police units to ramp up their efforts,” he said.