Khulna city has witnessed a surge in killings, with 51 murders recorded over the past 17 months, according to Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP). Between January and May 2026 alone, 16 murders occurred across eight police stations, while 37 were reported in 2025. The most recent and shocking case took place on May 30, when three members of the same family were found murdered in Sonadanga. Police identified a suspect who remains at large, and a case has been filed by the victims’ family.

Police officials said most killings stem from disputes among drug dealers and criminal groups, as well as family conflicts and political rivalries. KMP’s additional commissioner noted that many offenders return to crime after being released on bail. A senior intelligence officer added that criminals now possess modern weapons, while police face restrictions in their use. Khulna City Corporation administrator Nazrul Islam Manju expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, saying the city is overwhelmed by drugs.

Sociologist Dr. Selina Ahmed from Khulna University attributed the rise in crime to moral decline and cultural shifts driven by media and technology, which she said are influencing social behavior and increasing instability.