Bangladesh is grappling with a severe deterioration in its law-and-order situation as it heads toward the February 12 elections. A report released on Monday highlights a sharp rise in mob violence, extortion, and looting since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took office in August 2024. The police force remains under immense pressure, with over 500 cases registered for attacks on officers, leading to widespread trauma and fear within the ranks. Adding to the tension, top terrorists recently released from prison are reportedly regaining influence under political patronage, creating a dangerous environment for the upcoming electoral campaign.
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), once the country’s elite deterrence against terrorism and organized crime, has become “largely subdued” and demoralized. Facing international scrutiny and calls for its dissolution from human rights organizations, the force has lost its former zeal, emboldening criminals who no longer fear state intervention. The report emphasizes that the criticism of a few individuals has rendered the entire force ineffective, leaving a security vacuum that is being filled by “monsters” operating under the protection of powerful interests.
As campaigning officially begins, the public remains anxious about whether a peaceful election is even possible under such “fragile” conditions. Experts warn that there is no “instant spell” to fix the security apparatus overnight, as the breakdown of law and order has been a continuous process over the past 18 months. With the threat of terrorists becoming even more lethal ahead of the polls, many citizens doubt the effectiveness of current measures, fearing that the democratic process may be overshadowed by unchecked violence and political instability.
