Persistent crisis of law and order

The collapse of law and order in the aftermath of the July uprising was not entirely unexpected. What is deeply troubling, however, is its persistent and escalating nature even after nine months. The current state of public security is, by all accounts, deteriorating at an alarming rate. What began as a reaction to systemic misrule under the former regime has spiralled into a full-blown crisis. The unresolved issues now continue to manifest through relentless protests, demonstrations, strikes and blockades that have disrupted everyday life across the country, particularly in Dhaka, which remains the epicentre of the turmoil. The capital is routinely paralysed with roads blocked for hours and traffic thrown into utter chaos. Alongside this, rising incidents of robbery and even killings have compounded the crisis. What was once civil agitation is fast turning into lawlessness, generating fear and frustration among the general public.

Law enforcement agencies appear overwhelmed and underprepared. Following the uprising, many police stations across the country were attacked, largely in retaliation for the previous regime's heavy-handed suppression of dissent. In the immediate aftermath, the police were largely inactive, either out of fear or lack of direction. Although they have since returned to the streets, their response lacks the vigour and coordination the situation urgently demands. The deployment of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and army personnel-the latter given magisterial powers-has done little to contain the widespread unrest. Despite their presence, the disorder is growing more entrenched by the day.

In a bid to tackle the escalating crisis, the Chief Adviser of the interim government recently convened a high-level meeting, attended by, among others, the Chiefs of the three defence services. The meeting reportedly reviewed the nationwide law-and-order situation, with the Chief Adviser stressing the importance of restoring stability in Dhaka and beyond. However, it remains unclear whether any concrete or decisive steps were agreed upon to deal with the unfolding chaos. Public confidence continues to erode in the absence of visible action or clear communication from the top leadership.

It is evident that the interim government, in a conscious attempt to distance itself from the past regime's notoriety for police brutality, has adopted an overly cautious stance. While this tolerance may stem from a desire to uphold democratic norms and avoid repeating past mistakes, it has inadvertently emboldened disorder and created a perception of weakness. This reluctance to act decisively is proving costly, as the unrest continues to permeate nearly every aspect of daily life, inflicting both economic and psychological stresses on citizens. Left unchecked, this drift into disorder could lead to long-term consequences for governance, investor confidence, and the democratic process itself. The situation calls for a strong, lawful and coordinated response-one that upholds civil liberties but also draws clear lines against anarchy. This descent into chaos must be halted-urgently and resolutely. The government must move beyond mere appeals and rhetoric. A firm but just approach is now essential to restore public order, reassure citizens, and safeguard national stability.