Rumeen Farhana slams govt over rise in crimes in its first 100 days

Brahmanbaria-2 MP Barrister Rumeen Farhana today voiced frustration in parliament over the deterioration in law and order, citing statistics from Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) to argue that murders, abductions, and violence against women had surged during the government's first 100 days in office.

Speaking in parliament under Rule 71 on urgent public importance, she said in March and April alone, Bangladesh recorded 605 murders, 294 muggings, 90 robberies and 196 abductions. Police were themselves attacked in 129 separate incidents, she added, while thefts numbered 2,214.

On the safety of women and children, she said 3,496 cases of abuse were reported during the period, including 78 to 102 rapes, 30 to 36 gang rapes, and 49 to 71 child rapes.

"These figures clearly show how fragile and alarming the law and order situation has become in just three months," she declared.

Rumeen also drew pointed attention to the empty seat of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.

"He [Salahuddin] was supposed to be present today, but his chair is empty. What can I do? I must speak in his absence," she remarked. She argued that the government's overall performance depended substantially on its record on both the economy and law and order, which together accounted for half of any meaningful assessment. "Had the home minister been present, it would have been easier to spell out his failures," she added.

Separately, Cumilla-2 MP Mohammad Selim Bhuiyan complained that nearly 600,000 teachers and staff across the country had not received their salaries ahead of Eid ul Azha, with May's salaries remaining unpaid even as of June 8.

He demanded accountability from the relevant authorities, while also thanking the government for its initiatives to allocate funds to the Private Teachers' Retirement Benefits Board and Welfare Trust.

Meanwhile, Cumilla 6 MP Md Monirul Haque Chowdhury called on the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry to reopen Cumilla Airport, originally constructed during World War II and subsequently shut down. With Cumilla's population standing at 6.5 million -- many of them working abroad, he argued that reopening the airport would benefit returning expatriates, investors, and patients seeking medical care.

He noted that certain airport facilities remained operational and were generating monthly revenue. "The neglect and discrimination against Cumilla must end," he told the House.