Globalization, Local Crimes and National Security: The Case of Bangladesh

Abstract

Globalization has become one of the most significant phenomena in the world since the end of the cold war. Globalization especially the economic globalization has brought about new opportunities and opened dynamic windows for the people of the world based on the notion of liberalism, free market, easy access of goods and services. Although globalization has brought about some positive gains for individuals and society, it has caused negative impacts on the society called ‘the dark side of globalization’. It has created complex and multifaceted security problems and threats to the countries especially the developing countries like Bangladesh. Globalization has changed the nature and dynamics of crime although crime is not a new phenomenon in Bangladesh. The nature or pattern of crime has changed remarkably with the advent of globalization, modern technology and various modern devices, which pose serious security threats to the individuals, society and the country. Globalization has created easy access to conducting illegal trade such as small arms, illegal drugs and human trafficking and some violent activities such as kidnapping, theft, murder, around the world as well as in Bangladesh. It has developed the new trends of crimes, gun violence, drugs crime, and increasing number of juvenile convicts and heinous crimes committed in Bangladesh. Over the years, the number of organized murder crimes is increasing along with rape cases and pretty nature of crimes with the advent of globalization and information technology. The nature of offenders and instruments has also changed significantly. Global black market of small arms, narcotics and drugs has made the criminal’s instruments and ideas available in many countries. Bangladesh is no exception to it. The study has identified the changing aspects of local crimes, nature of offenders, types of instruments and modus operandi of crime with the advent of globalization and its impact on national security of Bangladesh.