Reluctance of law enforcers leads to increase in crimes

Criminals have become active in the country again by taking the advantage of reluctance shown by the law enforcement agencies.
Police sources said indecision among the law enforcers during the transition period and fears of transfer have led to their reluctance. As a result, crime rate has increased in the country.
According to Police Headquarters (PHQ), officials ranking from inspector to police super (SP) would be transferred very soon, and later officials at the deputy inspector general (DIG) level would be reshuffled.
PHQ sources said the inspector general of police (IGP) held a meeting on Sunday last with all the SPs and directed them to work more professionally.
But the IGP's directives could not inspire them to become professional due to transitional period and transfer possibilities, sources said.
After the national polls, people are passing their days amid deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation followed by increased criminal activities.
Especially, the incidents of killing, snatching and extortion have increased rapidly.
Intelligence sources said many terrorists and godfathers have started returning to the country after the political change and the criminal activities are taking places at their directives.
Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, IGP Nur Mohammad, however, assured the people of an immediate change in the present law and order situation.
"The situation would be improved soon as the law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to tackle the situation", he said, adding, "In the transitional period, the law and order situation generally deteriorates a bit, but it is not alarming."
The IGP, however, declined to make any comment on the possible reshuffling of police personnel.
Asked about the incidents of snatching, robbery and killing in and around the capital, he said, " The trend of crime has always ups and downs."
Replying to yet another question, the police chief said the godfathers, against whom cases have been filed, would be arrested soon.
Talking to The Daily Star, Col Gulzar Uddin Ahmed, additional director general of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), said there are various causes including unemployment, poverty and addiction behind the increase of crimes in the country.
Speaking about recent criminal incidents in banks, he said there are some specific professional gangs who are used to rob the banks or snatch money from the customers.
But Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Abdus Salam differed on the allegation of crime rise in the city.
He said the crime statistics does not show that the law and order situation has deteriorated.