Bangladesh’s Awami League has expressed deep concern about the worsening security situation in the country, describing the shift of kidnappings from isolated incidents to a widespread, organized business. The party highlighted distressing cases, including a student’s tragic murder over unpaid ransom and an engineer being forced to pay twice.
The Awami League presented alarming statistics indicating a significant increase in kidnapping incidents over the years, with cases more than doubling from 445 in 2021 to 1,005 in 2025. The party attributed this surge to a period of political transition in 2024 following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to data from Bangladesh police headquarters, a majority of abductions occurred in key economic regions, with Dhaka Division and Metropolitan areas accounting for a significant number of cases in 2025. The party raised concerns about the overall breakdown of law enforcement, particularly in commercial hubs where citizens are no longer safe.
Critics have pointed to the interim government’s perceived lack of electoral legitimacy as a factor contributing to weak accountability in addressing the kidnapping crisis. The Awami League emphasized that the rise in kidnappings reflects a shift towards financial extortion and land grabbing, rather than personal disputes.
As the Awami League continues to voice apprehension over the escalating crime rates, questions linger about the sustainability of public safety in Bangladesh amidst the prevailing climate of fear.
