Mahathir Mohamad, the architect of modern Malaysia, placed the improvement of law and order at the centre of his country’s development strategy. After assuming office, he famously remarked: “If we cannot improve the law and order situation, none of our dreams will come true.” Mahathir adopted a tough approach to restoring public order and faced considerable criticism from Western countries for doing so. Yet, ignoring external pressure, he succeeded in curbing crime and strengthening state institutions. Today, Malaysia stands among the world’s most successful developing economies.
Malaysia is not an exception. The history of every nation that has achieved sustained progress tells a similar story. Such countries suppressed crime, ensured the security of citizens’ lives and property, and established a stable law and order environment. As a result, both domestic and foreign investors gained confidence, economic activity expanded, and people were able to work without fear. Maintaining law and order, therefore, remains one of the fundamental prerequisites for national development.
The lesson is particularly relevant for Bangladesh today. Following the July Revolution of 2024, people hoped the country would move forward with renewed confidence and stability. Citizens expected a safer society, students anticipated a healthier educational environment, and businesses looked forward to operating free from fear and uncertainty. However, according to many observers, those hopes were quickly dashed. Following 5 August 2024, Bangladesh appeared to enter a period of instability and disorder. Mob violence spread across various sectors, from educational institutions and the judiciary to industrial establishments, government offices, religious institutions and cultural organisations. The rule of law seemed increasingly overshadowed by the rule of the mob. As law and order deteriorated, ordinary citizens began to feel insecure even in their own homes. The consequences extended beyond public safety. Educational activities suffered, social security weakened, business confidence declined, investment slowed, unemployment increased, and economic hardship deepened. For many, even moving around safely became a challenge.
Amid growing public dissatisfaction, the government was eventually compelled to hold elections. In the 12 February election, voters were motivated not only by political considerations but also by a desire for stability, security and peace. One of the BNP’s principal campaign pledges was the restoration of law and order. Since assuming office, the government has clearly prioritised this issue. However, despite some progress, it has yet to bring the situation fully under control. While conditions have improved compared with the previous period, public concern over crime and security remains significant.
A report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) claimed that the crime rate increased alarmingly during the government’s first 100 days in office. According to the report, 605 murders, 294 muggings, 90 robberies and 196 abductions occurred during March and April alone. The same period also witnessed 129 attacks on police personnel and 2,214 incidents of theft.
The report further stated that 3,496 incidents of violence against women and children took place during the period under review. Between 78 and 102 individuals were victims of rape, while 30 to 36 suffered gang rape. The number of children subjected to rape ranged from 49 to 71. Regardless of statistical variations, the figures indicate that the country’s law and order situation remains fragile.
The Bangladesh Civil Rights Society (BCRS) has also expressed deep concern over the rise in murders, abductions, robberies, muggings and violence against women and children during the first months of 2026. According to the organisation, 1,142 murders were recorded between January and April. During the same period, there were 347 abductions, 184 muggings and 591 robberies. Cases involving violence against women and children totalled 5,998.
These statistics suggest that the country has yet to achieve the level of public security that citizens expect and deserve.
There is little doubt that the government is making efforts to improve the situation. Yet it has not been able to fully overcome what many see as the damaging legacy of the previous 18 months. Understanding why is essential to identifying a path towards lasting improvement.
Although the BNP government has been in office for three months, it has not completely restructured the law enforcement agencies. Many officials appointed during the previous administration reportedly remain in influential positions within the police and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Critics argue that meaningful reform will be difficult unless the government can ensure that key institutions are fully aligned with its objectives and capable of implementing its policies effectively.
The challenge extends beyond law enforcement. According to critics of the previous administration, individuals opposed to the BNP continue to occupy positions throughout the wider bureaucracy. While they may outwardly adapt to the new political reality, their opponents believe that some remain committed to undermining the government’s agenda.
The judiciary also plays a vital role in maintaining law and order. Police can arrest suspects, but it is ultimately the courts that determine whether justice is delivered. Critics argue that the judicial system was significantly weakened during the tenure of the previous administration, particularly through controversial appointments and allegations of favouritism involving government lawyers.
The issue came into focus on 23 June when 18 law officers appointed during the interim administration resigned from the Attorney General’s Office. They had been responsible for representing the state before both the Appellate Division and the High Court Division of the Supreme Court. Among them were seven Deputy Attorneys General and 11 Assistant Attorneys General. The resigning officers, widely regarded as being aligned with Jamaat-e-Islami, cited the non-implementation of the July Charter and the repeal of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance and the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance as reasons for their departure.
The episode has raised questions about whether the government has adequately reviewed appointments made during the previous administration. Similar concerns have been expressed regarding Government Pleaders (GPs) and Public Prosecutors (PPs) across the country. Critics argue that unless these issues are addressed, the government could face further institutional challenges in the future.
At present, the government appears to be attempting to improve law and order while simultaneously dealing with the political and administrative legacy it inherited. Balancing these two tasks is proving difficult.
The restoration of law and order ultimately depends on the establishment of the rule of law. Just as alleged crimes committed during the Awami League era must be investigated and prosecuted, so too must allegations of mob violence, extortion, looting, arson, attacks on women and other serious offences committed during the subsequent period. Questions continue to be raised about why stronger action has not been taken against those accused of looting institutions, attacking newspaper offices and engaging in other unlawful activities.
Similarly, critics argue that insufficient action has been taken against individuals accused of extortion, mob leadership and public support for vigilante justice. The government has repeatedly emphasised the need to attract investment and revive economic growth. Yet many business leaders continue to express concern about security and legal uncertainty. Investors require confidence that the law will protect both their businesses and their rights. Without that confidence, economic recovery will remain difficult regardless of the incentives on offer.
The rule of law can only be established if the government acts impartially and consistently. Criminals must be held accountable regardless of their political affiliation, influence or social standing. If the law is applied selectively, public confidence in state institutions will inevitably suffer. Many observers believe that stronger and more decisive action against politically motivated violence in the past could have helped prevent subsequent incidents, including attacks on journalists and media workers.
This government came to power with substantial public support and therefore possesses a strong mandate to act. It should not hesitate to enforce the law fairly and without discrimination. Criminals have only one identity: they are criminals. If political considerations determine who faces justice and who does not, meaningful improvements in law and order will remain elusive. And without a significant improvement in law and order, the government’s broader ambitions for development and national progress will be far more difficult to achieve.
