By Tapashi Rabeya Akhi

DHAKA, June 28, 2026 (BSS) - The number of heinous crimes carrying the highest punishments, including the death penalty, has been declining across the country due to strict monitoring by the field administration.

The information emerged at the monthly meeting on the overall situation held at the Cabinet Division on June 21 with divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners from across the country.

Statistics presented at the meeting showed that district magistrates have been providing advice and assistance in taking necessary measures to maintain law and order.

According to the working paper presented at the meeting, the number of heinous crimes declined in May this year compared with April. 

Compared with May 2025, the number of serious crimes in May 2026 fell by 237 cases (8.44 percent), which was described as a positive development.

Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khan, joint secretary of the Field Administration Coordination Wing of the Cabinet Division, told Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) that deputy commissioners submit monthly reports on the overall situation to the Cabinet Division. 

The reports are used to determine the necessary course of action based on prevailing conditions, he added.

Under the laws of Bangladesh, offences punishable by death or life imprisonment are considered the most heinous or serious crimes. These include murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, covering premeditated or intentional homicide. Rape and death resulting from rape under Section 9 of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000 (as amended), are also classified as serious or heinous crimes. Causing the death of a woman over dowry demands, kidnapping for ransom or kidnapping with intent to murder, including offences under Section 364A of the Penal Code, are regarded as heinous crimes. 

Waging war or attempting to wage war against Bangladesh under Section 121 of the Penal Code is also classified as a serious offence and crimes committed under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act are likewise considered heinous offences.

According to the available data, countrywide a total of 2,809 heinous crimes were identified in May 2025 and one year later the number declined to 2,596 in April 2026 and further to 2,572 in May 2026, indicating a notable fall in the heinous crime trend.

Metropolitan areas recorded 488 heinous crimes in May 2025 and 402 in May 2026. 

Divisional statistics also portray nearly the same and overall conclusion. 

An analysis of comparative crime statistics presented at the commissioners' meeting of the Cabinet Division showed that Dhaka Division recorded 521 heinous crimes in May 2025, compared with 485 in May 2026 and 466 in April 2026.

Rajshahi Division recorded 349 serious crimes in May 2025, which decreased to 291 in April 2026 and further to 261 in May 2026.

Khulna Division recorded 271 heinous crimes in May 2025, 219 in April 2026 and 242 in May 2026.

Analysis of crime statistics in Sylhet Division showed 193 heinous crimes in May 2025, compared with 119 in April 2026 and 123 in May 2026.

Rangpur Division recorded 313 heinous crimes in May 2025, 321 in April 2026 and 263 in May 2026.

In Mymensingh Division, the number of serious crimes was 163 in May 2025, 162 in April 2026 and 164 in May 2026.

However, there are two exceptional cases. The trend of heinous crime in Chittagong and Barishal division was slightly upward until April 2026 from May 2025.

But the rates started falling in the following month, May 2026, also indicating strong supervision and comparatively better law and order situation.

In Chattogram Division, the number of serious crimes stood at 289 in May last year which climbed to 386 in April 2026 and slightly dropped to 380 in May 2026.

In Barishal Division, the number of serious crimes was 222 in May 2025, 221 in April 2026 and 252 in May 2026.

The improved law and order situation appears due to strict and better administrative monitoring in the field level and govt's continuous effort to improve social security. 

As a token of law enforcement agency's sharp vigilance and hopeful performance, the home affairs minister lately recognized personnel who played crucial roles in the three high-profile incidents to motivate the law enforcers to work with professionalism and improved spirit for social betterment and ensuring social security.