No nation can thrive without a strong foundation of law and order. It is the backbone of democracy, ensuring justice, stability, and the protection of rights. Without it, development stalls, businesses falter, and economic progress remains a distant dream. From safeguarding individual freedoms to fostering a secure environment for investment and growth, a well-functioning legal system is the key to national prosperity. In this era of global competition, countries that uphold the rule of law pave the way for sustainable development, while those that fail risk instability and stagnation.

For over six months, Bangladesh has been navigating a turbulent political landscape following the dramatic collapse of Sheikh Hasina's regime on August 5, 2024. It was the student-led mass uprising that ultimately forced her to flee to India. In the wake of this upheaval, an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus took over, promising stability, neutrality and the restoration of democracy. People do believe that he will do that. But concerns are growing over law and order, casting a shadow over the nation's immediate future.

Army's Role in Law Enforcement

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Army has been directly involved in maintaining internal security, a role typically reserved for civilian law enforcement agencies. Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman recently said that the army would continue its duties until an elected government takes over.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman emphasised the importance of restraint, instructing troops to avoid the use of force unless absolutely necessary. While their involvement has brought some semblance of order, it also underscores the failure of the police and other agencies to effectively maintain control, reflecting deeper institutional weaknesses.

New Measures to Tackle Crime and Unrest

In response to rising criminal activities, the Core Committee on Law and Order, led by Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has introduced several new measures. These include an increase in security checkpoints, enhanced joint operations involving the army, police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and additional patrol teams from the navy and coast guard in key areas.

Besides, motorbikes are being procured for law enforcement personnel to facilitate quick responses, and a dedicated force of 500 members from the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) has been assigned to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Efforts are also being made to combat misinformation and propaganda, which have further exacerbated the already delicate situation.

Despite these initiatives, the effectiveness of these measures remains debatable. Many argue that a more fundamental overhaul of the law enforcement system is required, rather than short-term fixes that merely address surface-level symptoms.

Public Outcry Over Deteriorating Security

The increasing lawlessness has not gone unnoticed by the public. Students from Dhaka University recently organised a protest rally against the surge in crimes such as theft, assault, extortion and rape. The protestors accused past governments of failing to deliver justice, allowing criminals to operate with impunity.

The widespread public frustration exhibits a critical point: while regime change has occurred, the fundamental issues plaguing the justice system persist. The lack of trust in law enforcement and the judiciary remains a major impediment to lasting stability.

Journalists Under Attack

A disturbing example of lawlessness was witnessed in Feni, where s journalist was attacked for reporting on illegal sand extraction. This incident not only highlights the unchecked criminal activities but also demonstrates the threats faced by journalists who dare to expose wrongdoing.

Political Dimension

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged Dr Yunus to lead with a "strong hand" to prevent any accusations of biasness and expedite preparations for national elections.

The fact is that the government faces mounting pressure from multiple fronts. The debate over whether local body elections should precede national elections has further complicated the political climate, with fears that an unclear roadmap could worsen the already fragile security situation. BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has criticised the government for failing to curb inflation, create jobs, or improve law and order, questioning the "legitimacy of its continued rule".

The Link Between Law and Order, Democracy, and Development

A stable law and order situation is not merely a security concern; it is intrinsically linked to the nation's democratic and economic future. Without stability, economic growth stagnates, foreign investment dwindles and social cohesion erodes.

The current state of uncertainty threatens Bangladesh's progress in multiple ways:

Economic Implications: Investors, both domestic and foreign, require a predictable and secure environment to operate. The present turmoil discourages investment and affects business confidence.

Democratic Setbacks: A government struggling to maintain law and order risks losing legitimacy. If the interim administration cannot ensure safety, its ability to conduct a free and fair election may also be questioned.

Social Fragmentation: The erosion of trust in law enforcement and political institutions can deepen societal divisions, leading to further unrest and instability.

What Needs to Be Done?

To prevent further deterioration, the government must take decisive steps to restore public confidence. Some necessary measures include:

Strengthening Law Enforcement Institutions: Rather than relying on military intervention, the focus should be on reforming police agencies, ensuring proper training, and rooting out corruption within the ranks.

Ensuring Justice and Accountability: High-profile cases, such as attacks on journalists and rising sexual violence, must be addressed with swift legal action to send a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated.

Transparency in Election Planning: The government must provide a clear and fair roadmap to elections, ensuring that all parties are on board to prevent further political turmoil.

Public Engagement and Awareness Campaigns: Addressing misinformation and building public trust through community engagement and transparent communication can help bridge the gap between authorities and citizens.

Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. While the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government marked the end of an era, the road ahead remains uncertain. Law and order are crucial for the country's development, democracy and social stability. Without a strong commitment to reform, transparency and accountability, the interim government risks losing public confidence, further jeopardizing Bangladesh's fragile stability.

As calls for the national election grow louder, the coming months will be decisive. The challenge lies not just in holding elections but in ensuring that they take place in an environment of peace and fairness. If Bangladesh is to move forward, the restoration of law and order must be prioritised-for without security, democracy and development cannot thrive.

Mahfuzur Rahman is Editor of UNB.