Organized Crime in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Report

Introduction

Bangladesh is facing significant challenges in terms of organized crime, which has far-reaching implications for its governance, economy, and society. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the country’s organized crime situation, highlighting various aspects such as crime markets, criminal actors, leadership and governance, criminal justice and security, economic and financial environment, civil society and social protection.

Crime Markets

Drug Trafficking: Heroin and yaba (a methamphetamine-based stimulant) are significant issues in Bangladesh. Synthetic-drug trade is also prevalent, with most profits being accrued domestically.
Criminal Activities: Mafia-style groups, known as mastan, operate across numerous criminal markets and often use street children as ‘illicit labourers’ to commit crime and violence.

Criminal Actors

Mafia-Style Groups: Mastan are deeply embedded in the political and social infrastructure of Bangladesh.
Street Children: Many street children are used as illicit laborers by mastan groups to commit crimes and violence.

Leadership and Governance

Lack of Accountability: The Bangladeshi government is severely lacking in accountability and transparency, with politicians and law-enforcement officials being closely linked to criminal actors.
Human Rights Violations: Human rights violations remain at a high level in the country.

Criminal Justice and Security

Antiquated Laws: Many of the laws that underpin the criminal justice system are antiquated, and the poor and vulnerable struggle to access justice.
Prison System: The prison system is overcrowded, suffers from delays in judicial proceedings, and falls well short of international prison standards.

Economic and Financial Environment

Money-Laundering Practices: Bangladesh is vulnerable to money-laundering practices, with alternative remittance and value-transfer systems commonly used to avoid taxes and customs duties.

Support for Victims of Crime: Victims of crime in Bangladesh receive support primarily through non-governmental organizations (NGOs), mainly those helping victims of human trafficking.
Funding from the Government: Many NGOs offering victim and witness support do receive funding from the Bangladeshi government.

Positive Developments

Increased Participation of Women in Law Enforcement: Programs have resulted in many more women joining law-enforcement teams, creating a more representative police force.
National Strategy Against Money Laundering: Bangladesh has recently given much attention to the issue and developed a national strategy that has gained approval from international organizations set up to monitor money laundering.

Challenges and Limitations

Restrictions on Free Speech: The restriction of free speech and criticism of the government renders it difficult for civil society organizations and NGOs to voice democratic values and human rights concerns.
Violence Against Journalists: Journalists are also targets of violence and arbitrary arrests, and certain news websites have been blocked.
Self-Censorship: Many civil society organizations and media outlets have thus adopted increasing levels of self-censorship to avoid the consequences of speaking out against widespread human rights violations and the abuse of democratic values.