The Shadow of Terror on Khulna's Chest: 22 Murders in One and a Half Months, A Terrified Populace

The peaceful industrial city of Khulna is seemingly turning into a city of crime and murder. Lives are being lost somewhere every day, giving rise to new anxieties. Localities tremble at the sound of gunfire, while elsewhere, people are collapsing under the blow of sharp weapons. The statistics from just the last one and a half months reveal a horrific picture: 22 brutal murders have occurred across Khulna city and district during this short period, along with the mysterious recovery of 9 more unidentified dead bodies. Additionally, over fifty people have been seriously injured by bullets and sharp weapons. This continuous wave of atrocities indicates a serious deterioration in Khulna's law and order situation.This relentless cycle of murders is not only increasing the death toll but is also creating extreme insecurity among the general public. Local residents are demanding the strict application and implementation of the law to escape this anarchy. On the other hand, the Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) claims they are working with the highest priority to control crime and have uncovered the mystery behind most of the incidents. However, civil society and legal experts believe that political instability and a lack of coordination among law enforcement agencies are largely responsible for this situation.

Horrific Statistics: 22 Murders and 9 Mysterious Deaths

According to police data, these 22 murders and the recovery of 9 mysterious bodies have taken place in various areas of Khulna city and district over the last one and a half months. Each incident has been extremely brutal, rooted in social unrest such as drug trafficking, establishing dominance, political rivalry, or family disputes.The nature of these atrocities is also startling. For instance, a child sleeping beside his mother was shot dead from outside a window. There has even been a heartbreaking incident of a father being killed by his own son over a family dispute in this city. These events prove that crime is no longer confined to the external world but has penetrated the deepest layers of society.

Thana-Based Timeline: One and a Half Months of Terror

Thana-level statistics are essential to get an accurate picture of the law and order situation in any region. Statistics from various police stations in Khulna show that this crime spree is not limited to a specific area but is widespread across the entire Khulna district. A chronological overview of the murders in the last one and a half months is presented below:

• October: October 25 (Khanjahan Ali Thana), October 23 (Labanchara), October 21 (Phultala and Terokhada), October 19 (Rupsa), October 17 (Dakop), October 16 (Paikgacha), October 11 (Dighalia), October 9 (Khalishpur), October 6 (Batiaghata and Sadar Thana), October 3 (Sadar Thana), October 1 (Daulatpur).

• September: September 29 (Jabus), September 27 (Sadar Thana), September 26 (Dakop), September 24 (Sonadanga), September 23 (Labanchara), September 20 (Phultala), September 8 (Dakop), September 5 (Rupsa), September 4 (Rupsa).

This list makes it clear that bloodshed has occurred in almost every police station area, not just one specific part of Khulna. Blood has been shed almost every day. The mystery behind several of these incidents has not yet been fully uncovered by the police.

Underlying Causes of Crime: Drugs, Dominance, and Political Instability

There are multiple complex reasons at the root of this severe deterioration of the law and order situation. Crime experts and local social workers have primarily identified three factors:

1. Conflict over Drugs and Dominance: Drug trafficking is a grave problem in the Khulna region. Bloody clashes often occur between various terrorist and drug syndicates to control the drug trade and establish dominance. Most of those who lose their lives in these conflicts are either members of the crime rings or involved in the trade.

2. Political Rivalry: Political rivalry among different factions has flared up, taking advantage of the period leading up to elections or shifts in political power. This rivalry often takes a violent turn, leading to assassinations aimed at eliminating opponents.

3. Social and Family Disputes: Internal social conflicts and family disputes are also the cause of some murders. Violence arising from property, personal enmity, or relationship turmoil has also been added to these statistics.

Civil Society Concern: Demand for Strict Enforcement of Law

Khulna's situation has caused deep concern among civil society. They believe that failure to quickly bring this situation under control will fracture the normal social structure.Advocate Babul Howlader, Member Secretary of Khulna Civil Society, remarked about the situation, "The law and order situation in the country has deteriorated. Police are unable to perform properly due to political or other reasons." He stressed that reform of law enforcement agencies alone is not enough; a change in human mentality is also required to suppress crime. In his view, the police must be allowed to work with complete impartiality, free from any political pressure.

Legal Experts' Analysis: The Impact of Political Instability

Tania Sultana, Assistant Professor of Law at Khulna University, described the continuous murders as 'concerning in the overall context.' In her analysis, she highlighted the opportunity provided by political instability as a major factor.Professor Sultana stated, "A class of people is indulging in crime, taking advantage of political instability." She believes that controlling the situation is not possible by solely blaming the police. According to her, all law enforcement agencies must work together through a coordinated initiative to suppress crime. Joint efforts by other intelligence agencies and the administrative framework, alongside the police, are essential. She also emphasized that ensuring transparency and quick justice in the legal process is crucial for effective crime suppression.

Police Claims: Working with the Highest Priority

Facing criticism from civil society and experts, the Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) remains firm in its stance. Mohammad Rashidul Islam Khan, Additional Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police, claimed that they are working with the highest priority to control crime.He said, "Police have so far uncovered the mystery of most of the murders and various other crimes. Those involved are also being brought under the law." Although this assurance has been given by the police, the sheer number of incidents and the recovery of unidentified bodies are creating a deficit of public trust.

Collective Effort is Essential to Restore Stability

The growing graph of crime in Khulna proves that this is not merely a law and order issue, but a manifestation of social, political, and economic unrest. To escape this situation, a concerted and strict effort is needed from the highest level of government down to the local administration.It is necessary to enhance the efficiency of law enforcement agencies, utilize modern technology, and ensure the freedom to work without political influence. Simultaneously, stopping the source of drug and arms trafficking, and bringing about a change in the public's mentality by increasing social awareness, are also indispensable. To restore Khulna's lost peace and the status of an industrial city, there is no alternative but a unified effort involving the police, civil society, administration, and political parties.