by HM Nazmul Alam:

THE past seven months have witnessed an alarming trend in Bangladesh — 95 factories in key industrial areas such as Gazipur, Savar, Narayanganj, and Narsingdi have shut down, resulting in the joblessness of approximately 62,000 workers. These closures, largely driven by financial crises, lack of purchase orders, political violence, and business-related uncertainties, have had a profound impact not only on the economic well-being of the affected workers but also on the overall social fabric of the country. The growing number of unemployed individuals has created fertile ground for an increase in criminal activities, raising serious concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation.

The relationship between joblessness and crime is well-documented in socio-economic studies worldwide. When individuals, particularly those from economically vulnerable backgrounds, lose their source of livelihood, desperation often leads them toward illegal means of survival. The recent spike in muggings, robberies, and violent crimes in Bangladesh serves as an alarming indicator of the deepening crisis caused by mass unemployment. While the government and law enforcement agencies have responded by launching specialised crime-prevention units and deploying combined patrol teams, such measures can only act as a band-aid solution. Without addressing the root cause — widespread job loss and economic distress — no amount of policing can ensure long-term stability.

For a country that relies heavily on the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, the closure of 95 factories in a short span of time is nothing short of an economic catastrophe. The RMG sector employs millions, making it the backbone of Bangladesh’s labour force. With thousands of workers suddenly unemployed, the implications extend far beyond the immediate loss of income. The inability to pay for basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare forces many into extreme measures. Some migrate back to their villages, while others, unable to find new jobs, struggle to survive in urban centres.

Studies have shown that financial hardship often leads to an increase in crimes such as theft, burglary, and street violence. A case in point is the recent wave of violent muggings in Dhaka and Gazipur, which has seen victims being stabbed and killed. Auto-rickshaw drivers, small traders, and pedestrians have become frequent targets, indicating the rise of organised street crimes driven by economic desperation. Just last week, an auto-rickshaw driver in Gazipur was killed by muggers who stole his vehicle, while a shoe trader in Wari, Dhaka, was stabbed and robbed of Tk 70,000. Even more alarming was the daylight stabbing of a mother in front of her daughter while they were returning from a coaching class.

The case of Shakil Sheikh, a former worker at Mahmud Jeans Apparels who now drives an auto-rickshaw occasionally, reflects the struggle of thousands like him. For many, an alternate livelihood is either inaccessible or insufficient to sustain their families. The lack of employment opportunities further intensifies social frustration, which, in turn, fuels violent crime.

When people lose their primary source of income and cannot secure new jobs, they are more likely to resort to illegal means to sustain themselves. It is a pattern observed in many economies undergoing financial distress.  Crime rates tend to rise in direct proportion to economic desperation. When legal pathways to survival are blocked, the underprivileged have no choice but to find alternative—often unlawful—means.

Another significant aspect of the factory closures is their link to political instability. Several factories were either torched or vandalised due to the political affiliations of their owners. The ousting of the previous government led to the targeting of business establishments associated with the ruling elite, rendering many industries inoperable. Such political conflicts have severe economic ramifications. When businesses collapse due to politically motivated violence, it not only affects factory owners but also leaves thousands of workers in dire straits.

The failure of authorities to ensure political stability and safeguard industries from such attacks has only worsened the situation. In an already fragile economic climate, the closure of factories due to non-business reasons sends a discouraging message to investors, both local and foreign. If businesses continue to shut down due to political vendettas, Bangladesh risks a full-fledged economic crisis that could further entrench criminality in society.

The government’s initial response to the rising crime wave was to deploy elite forces such as the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Dhaka Metropolitan Police, and the Anti-Terrorism Unit. While this approach may temporarily curb street crimes, it does not provide a long-term solution. As seen in other parts of the world, heightened police presence and reactive law enforcement can only suppress criminal activities for a short time; they do not address the socio-economic conditions that drive people toward crime in the first place.

Adding to the concern is the Home Affairs Adviser’s dismissive remark about the law and order situation being “satisfactory.” Such statements, detached from ground realities, further alienate the struggling masses. The government must acknowledge the severity of the crisis and work toward comprehensive solutions rather than trivializing public fears.

To break the cycle of unemployment-driven crime, the government must introduce robust economic rehabilitation programs. Immediate compensation must be provided to laid-off workers, ensuring that factory owners settle all outstanding payments. For instance, while the government has taken an initiative to facilitate Beximco’s payments of Tk 525 crore 46 lakh, similar measures should be extended to all affected workers. Employment generation schemes should be introduced in collaboration with the private sector, with skill development programs designed to transition workers into alternative industries like information technology, agriculture, or services. SMEs, many of which have shut down due to financial crises, should receive financial support or low-interest loans to sustain employment. Social security programs, including unemployment benefits and food assistance, can provide temporary relief to affected families. Restoring political stability and investor confidence is equally crucial, as politically motivated attacks on businesses discourage both local and foreign investments. Without these measures, crime will continue to rise, and the country risks deeper economic and social instability.

The mass joblessness resulting from factory closures in Bangladesh is not just an economic issue—it is a direct contributor to the rising crime rate. The recent surge in muggings, robberies, and violent attacks is a testament to the desperation and frustration that widespread unemployment breeds. Without urgent intervention, this situation could spiral out of control, leading to even greater instability and social unrest.

The government must recognize that addressing crime requires more than just law enforcement—it necessitates economic rehabilitation, social support systems, and political stability. The key to curbing the rise in criminal activities lies in creating sustainable employment opportunities and ensuring financial security for those affected by job losses. If immediate steps are not taken, Bangladesh may find itself grappling with not only an economic crisis but also a full-blown social catastrophe.

HM Nazmul Alam is a lecturer in English and modern languages at the International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology.