One of the foremost benchmarks of a successful government in a democratic system is its ability to ensure the safety of citizens' lives and property, uphold the rule of law, and maintain a firm commitment to protecting human rights. Economic growth, infrastructure development, and political promises lose much of their significance if people do not feel secure. After all, the state's primary responsibility is to guarantee the safety and security of its citizens.

The experience of the BNP government's first four months has brought this fundamental question into sharp focus. While there were expectations that the country's law-and-order situation would improve, the gap between those expectations and reality has become increasingly evident. Murders, rape, mob violence, robberies, muggings, extortion, attacks on journalists, and assaults on religious minorities continue to occur at an alarming rate. As a result, public anxiety over personal security is growing, while serious questions are being raised about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the justice system.

According to data from the Police Headquarters, 915 murder cases were registered nationwide during the first three months after the government assumed office. This means that, on average, more than ten people were murdered every day. A total of 317 murder cases were recorded in March, 288 in April, and 310 in May. While these figures may be compared with those of previous years, the reality remains that if even a single citizen's life is not secure, minor statistical fluctuations do little to alleviate public fear and uncertainty.

An even greater concern is the rise in mob violence. When the state fails to firmly establish the rule of law, people become increasingly inclined to take justice into their own hands. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), in its report marking the government's first 100 days, found that despite official declarations of a zero-tolerance policy, incidents of mob violence and lynching had not declined. Between March and April alone, between 69 and 80 incidents of mob violence were reported. Between 31 and 42 people were killed, while 70 to 125 others were injured. During the same period, reports also emerged of deaths in custody, torture by law enforcement agencies, and allegations of extrajudicial killings. These developments point to weaknesses in the rule of law and a lack of institutional accountability.

Observations published by the Human Rights Culture Foundation (MSF) for the month of June paint an even more troubling picture. In just one month, 78 incidents of mob violence resulted in the deaths of 33 people and left another 126 seriously injured. The nearly 77 percent increase in injuries compared with the previous month is not merely a statistic—it reflects a growing loss of public confidence in the state's ability to enforce the law. Beating people to death over allegations of theft, robbery, rumors, or minor misunderstandings is not something that should be considered normal in any civilized society.

The situation regarding religious tolerance and social harmony is equally concerning. Incidents of attacks, arson, and vandalism targeting shrines, members of the Baul community, and religious minority groups were reported in Dhaka, Kushtia, and Sylhet. The fatal beating of a Pir (Islamic spiritual leader) may also be viewed as a disturbing signal regarding the country's tradition of religious tolerance. In a democratic state, ensuring every citizen's freedom of religion and protection of their cultural identity is a constitutional responsibility of the government.

There is also considerable concern regarding press freedom. According to the Bangladesh Association of Journalists (BAJ), at least 51 journalists were assaulted, harassed, or abused in 40 separate incidents during June alone. Cases filed against journalists for reporting allegations of corruption, as well as the arrest of an editor, send troubling signals for independent journalism. In a democratic society, accountable governance is achieved not by intimidating the media but by safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring the free flow of information.

These realities demonstrate that merely changing a government does not automatically transform the character of the state. Long-standing structural weaknesses within law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and the judiciary cannot be overcome without meaningful institutional reform. Rather than focusing solely on changing individuals, the greater priority must be to build professional, accountable institutions free from political influence.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) had previously recommended a series of structural reforms in the country's law enforcement and security sectors. However, little visible progress has been made in implementing those recommendations. Instead, new questions have emerged regarding the independence of the National Human Rights Commission. Critics argue that proposed legal changes could limit the Commission's authority to conduct independent investigations while expanding opportunities for government influence. If that happens, one of the country's most important institutional safeguards for human rights would be significantly weakened.

It is important to remember that no government can sustain public confidence over the long term solely through development projects, economic growth, or political achievements. If citizens feel unsafe, lose faith in the justice system, or witness shrinking freedom of expression and press freedom, the foundation of public trust quickly begins to erode.

For this reason, the government must now place the country's overall security and human rights situation above partisan political considerations. There is no longer room for delay in ensuring party discipline, taking decisive action against terrorism, extortion, and illegal occupation regardless of political affiliation, depoliticizing the police and judiciary, and establishing an independent and effective Human Rights Commission.

The true strength of a state lies not merely in its authority but in the confidence of its citizens. To earn that confidence, every action of the government must clearly reflect a commitment to the rule of law, accountability, and the protection of human rights. Otherwise, the deterioration of law and order and the deepening human rights crisis will not only undermine the government's popularity but also weaken the democratic foundations of the state itself.