Bangladesh experienced a notable increase in crime incidents in 2025, as per police data revealing a rise in theft, robbery, mugging, banditry, and kidnapping nationwide. The leading Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported that 1,935 robbery cases were documented in 2025, showing a 37% surge from the previous year. Moreover, theft cases saw a 12% increase, reaching 9,672 cases, while kidnapping incidents rose by 71%, with 1,101 cases reported.
Reports indicate a total of 13,410 cases registered in 2025 for these crimes, marking a 16.48% rise compared to 2024, with robbery and snatching cases up by 39%. The police data recorded 3,786 murder cases last year, 354 more than in 2024, with some linked to past incidents, including those following the July 2024 demonstrations.
‘Mob terrorism’ has emerged as a new law and order challenge in Bangladesh, with 197 deaths related to this in 2025, up from 128 in 2024, as reported by Dhaka-based Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK). Assistant Professor Rezaul Karim Sohag from Dhaka University’s Department of Criminology highlighted the presence of various active criminals in society, with habitual criminals committing more crimes when opportunities arise. He expressed concerns over the delicate law and order situation in the country, attributing the rise in crime to the inefficiency of law enforcement.
A survey conducted by Dhaka-based Keymakers Consulting Limited for Prothom Alo in December revealed that 60% of respondents believe the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government failed to uphold law and order in Bangladesh. Since the Yunus-led interim government took office in August 2024, Bangladesh has faced escalating protests and a deteriorating law and order scenario.
