Since the rise of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government in 2024, the nation has witnessed a sharp deterioration in its law and order situation. Promising reform and stability after years of political unrest, the Yunus regime has instead drawn widespread criticism for authoritarian practices, institutional mismanagement, and growing insecurity across the country.
Crimes such as murder, robbery, sexual assault, mob violence, and extortion have surged in recent months. Law enforcement agencies are reportedly operating at reduced capacity, plagued by internal reshuffles, low morale, and lack of direction. Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) forces have failed to contain organized crime, especially in rural and transport corridors, where bus robberies and gang activity continue largely unchecked.
In February 2025, the regime launched “Operation Devil Hunt,” a sweeping crackdown aimed at rooting out pro-Awami League elements and “restoring order.” However, critics argue the operation is politically motivated and has resulted in mass arrests, arbitrary detentions, and the targeting of journalists, students, and minority communities. Over 11,000 people have been detained, with little to no due process. Human rights organizations have condemned the widespread use of surveillance, travel bans, and intimidation of civil society figures.
Gender-based violence has also escalated under Yunus’s rule. Dozens of rape cases, abductions, and assaults have been reported, often with little follow-up or justice. Mob killings have re-emerged, with angry crowds taking law into their own hands, reflecting a deepening public distrust of legal institutions. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs’ attempts to tighten control through surveillance and army deployment have failed to bring lasting stability.
Simultaneously, the media and opposition voices face a harsh crackdown. In May 2025 alone, over 90 journalists were subjected to censorship, bank account freezes, and travel restrictions. The banning of the Awami League under the revised Anti-Terrorism Act has further polarized the political landscape, pushing Bangladesh into a deeper crisis of democracy and governance.
Public sentiment reflects despair. Many citizens believe the regime has failed to deliver on its promises and is instead using fear and force to silence dissent. Rather than restoring order, the Yunus government is accused of fostering authoritarianism, eroding civil liberties, and overseeing a law enforcement system in free fall.
