Bangladesh election: Law and order is a top issue for candidates

Key Concepts

• Police Morale & Reform: The impact of the 2024 suppression of protests on police morale and subsequent attempts at reform.
• Public Trust in Institutions: Erosion of public confidence in key institutions like the police, judiciary, and security forces.
• Political Impact of Law & Order: How perceptions of law and order are influencing the current election campaign.
• Media Targeting: Instances of attacks on media outlets and the unclear motivations behind them.
• Upcoming General Election: The context of the reported issues within the framework of an approaching general election.

The State of Law & Order and Institutional Trust in Dhaka, Bangladesh

This report details the current state of law and order in Dhaka, Bangladesh, focusing on the diminished public trust in institutions, particularly the police force, and the impact on the upcoming general election. The report highlights a recent incident of targeted violence against media outlets and the underlying issues contributing to a perceived decline in security.

Recent Violence and Police Response

In mid-December of last year, offices of two Dhaka newspapers were attacked by protesters following the death of a prominent activist. The attacks resulted in significant property damage, including the destruction of a newsroom and arson of the building. Critically, the report notes the police “stood back and watched,” indicating a lack of intervention. This inaction is attributed to “very low morale” within the police force.

The Legacy of 2024 and Police Reform

The root cause of this low morale is directly linked to the police’s role in suppressing the 2024 revolution. The report states that “heavy-handed tactics” during the suppression resulted in “more than a thousand deaths.” Despite this history, police officials claim to have implemented “necessary changes” and assert that the force is now “fit for purpose.” They state they are “back on track, working at full capacity” with a primary focus on the “general election.” A shift in strategy is visible through “new uniforms and a less visible presence,” suggesting an attempt to adopt a different approach to policing. However, the report notes that “the actual crime figures haven’t changed that much in the last couple of years,” indicating the issue is largely one of perception.

Erosion of Public Trust & Political Implications

The perceived decline in law and order has become a significant issue for politicians during the election campaign. Independent candidate Tesnim Jara identifies “public safety and accountability” as key platforms, reflecting widespread voter concerns. Jara articulates a core problem: “Over the years, public confidence in institutions, in judiciary, in police, in our security forces have eroded.” She acknowledges that “rebuilding our institutions” and restoring “public trust” will be a “long journey.”

This sentiment is echoed by broader public demonstrations, exemplified by a “flash mob” marching in support of the National Citizen Party, explicitly “calling for an end to violence and crime.” The increasing volume of these voices underscores the growing public anxiety as the election nears.

Unclear Motivations & Media Targeting

The report also raises questions about the motivations behind the attack on the media outlets. It states, “It’s unclear why they targeted the media,” highlighting a lack of clarity surrounding the incident and potentially suggesting a broader pattern of unrest or targeted attacks.

Data & Statistics

The only specific statistic provided is the claim of “more than a thousand deaths” resulting from the police’s suppression of the 2024 revolution. The report also notes that crime figures have remained relatively stable in the past two years, despite the heightened perception of insecurity.

Conclusion

The report paints a picture of a Bangladesh grappling with a crisis of institutional trust, particularly within the police force. While authorities claim reforms are underway, the legacy of past actions and the lack of tangible improvement in crime statistics contribute to a pervasive sense of insecurity. This situation is significantly impacting the political landscape as the country prepares for a general election, with candidates prioritizing public safety and accountability in response to widespread voter concerns.