Rumeen slams govt over deterioration in law and order situation

Independent Member of Parliament Rumeen Farhana today (8 June) expressed strong dissatisfaction over what she described as a sharp deterioration in the country’s law and order situation, saying the government’s success or failure will largely depend on its performance in maintaining public security and managing the economy.

Speaking under Rule 71 during a parliamentary session, Rumeen cited crime statistics from a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and said the crime rate had risen significantly during the government’s first 100 days in office.

She also expressed regret that the home minister was not present in parliament during her speech.

Quoting the TIB report, Rumeen said a total of 605 murders, 294 muggings, 90 robberies and 196 abductions were recorded across the country in March and April alone. She added that there were 129 attacks on police personnel and 2,214 incidents of theft during the same period.

Highlighting concerns over the safety of women and children, she told parliament that 3,496 incidents of violence against women and children were reported during the period under review.

According to the figures she cited, between 78 and 102 women were raped, 30 to 36 victims were subjected to gang rape, while the number of child rape victims ranged between 49 and 71.

“These statistics clearly demonstrate how fragile and alarming the law and order situation in Bangladesh has become over the past three months,” she said.

Rumeen said the government’s performance would be judged primarily on two fronts – the economy and law and order.

“About 50% of this government’s success or failure will depend on these two issues, while the remaining will depend on other ministries,” she said.

Referring to the absence of the home minister in parliament, she said it would have been easier to elaborate on “the record of his failures” had he been present.

She added that a significant part of the government’s success ultimately depends on the performance of the finance minister and the home minister.