Rising knife attacks, throat-slitting murders fuel safety concerns in Jashore

A sharp rise in throat-slitting murders has raised alarm in Jashore, where nine of the 16 homicide cases recorded until June 24 this year involved victims whose throats were slit, according to police.

The remaining killings were carried out through shootings or severe beatings while five murders took place in June alone.

Police said most of the killings were linked to drug-related disputes, longstanding enmity, political rivalry, turf conflicts and financial disputes. They also noted an increase in thefts, muggings and attacks involving sharp weapons across the district.

On 24 June, police recovered the body of Saeed Sardar, alias "Chashma Syed", 32, from a bush beside his home in Raghurampur village under Jashore Sadar. Investigators said the narcotics case accused was tied up by the killer before his throat was slit. Police suspect the murder was linked to drug trafficking and internal disputes. Two suspects have been detained.

Earlier, on 21 June, the body of BNP activist Atiar Rahman, 42, was recovered from a canal in Bergobindapur Baor under Chowgacha upazila. An autopsy confirmed his throat had been slit and his body bore multiple injuries. His family alleged he was killed over a dispute involving the lease of a local fishery.

On 8 June, a man allegedly slit the throat of his wife, Samina Akter Shammi, 20, in Shekhhati Tamaltala under Jashore Sadar following a dispute over money to buy drugs. Police said the accused later attempted suicide. The same night, miscreants hacked Imamul Hossain, 50, to death in Monirampur upazila after he protested the harassment of his granddaughter.

Earlier on 22 April, a woman allegedly killed her mother-in-law by slitting her throat after an altercation in Jashore town before leaving the body in a sack outside the house.

Police said criminals are increasingly using knives, machetes and other sharp weapons instead of firearms, partly because such weapons are easier to obtain.

Authorities also reported a new pattern of mugging in Jashore town, where motorcycle-borne youths allegedly target couples, threaten them with knives and rob them of cash, mobile phones and access to mobile financial service and bank accounts.

Residents said thefts and muggings have also increased in urban and suburban areas, with thieves frequently stealing copper pipes from outdoor air-conditioning units.

Local leaders blamed the deteriorating law and order situation on weak policing and called for stronger action against organised crime.

Meanwhile, Jashore Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam said police have identified the motives behind most of the killings and arrested many suspects, while efforts are continuing to apprehend the remaining accused.

He said police are conducting regular patrols and suggested government measures to regulate the online sale of sharp weapons to help curb violent crime.