Seventy-three murders took place in 2002 and 59 in 2001, according to police records and newspaper reports.

Of the 101 murders, 50 were committed by outlaws. There are at least 500 armed cadres grouped in 17 gangs.

Of the murders last year, 18 were committed in Jhenidah Sadar, 27 in Harinakundu, 12 in Sailakupa, 14 in Kaliganj, 16 in Moheshpur and 14 in Koatchandpur upazila.

Fifteen people were killed in 'crossfire' with police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and 36 by rival outlaws for supremacy in their respective areas, the police official said.

He however said outlawed parties are responsible for deterioration in the law and order.

Janajuddho faction of Purbo Banglar Communist Party (PBCP) claimed responsibility for 28 killings out of the 50 committed by outlaws.

Outlawed parties active in the district are PBCP-ML, PBCP-Red Flag, PBCP-Janajuddha, Biplobi Communist Party (BCP), New Biplobi Communist Party (NBCP), Jashod Gonobahini and Gono Mukti Fouz (GMF).

Another police official seeking anonymity said godfathers of the outlaws belong to major political parties. A ruling party lawmaker and an Awami League leader mainly shelter them, the police official said.

Intelligence agencies last year identified the godfathers, 52 professional killers and 24 top leaders of outlawed parties and gangs in Jhenidah district.

Fifteen top leaders of different outlawed parties were killed in 'crossfire' with police and RAB in 56 days from November 1 to December 26 last year.

Sources aware of criminals' movement told The Daily Star that law enforcers had a plan to "eliminate criminals", in the wake of a surge in killings by them.

Corroborating the claim, a police source said, "It is better to kill them because they come out (from jail) on bail and are sheltered by godfathers".