A surge in mob violence has gripped Bangladesh, with numerous incidents of extrajudicial killings, assaults, and vigilantism reported across the country.
Suspected criminals, including pickpockets, thieves, and eve-teasers, are being subjected to brutal public beatings and even death at the hands of enraged mobs.
Disturbingly, even innocent individuals are falling victim to these attacks, raising grave concerns over the collapse of law and order.
Legal experts and human rights activists warn that such acts constitute severe human rights violations, regardless of whether the victims are confirmed criminals.
The unchecked formation of lynch mobs, they argue, undermines the rule of law and the fundamental rights of individuals.
A shocking instance occurred last Thursday in Gulshan, Dhaka, where an innocent man was viciously assaulted by a group incited by an intoxicated and criminally active individual named Jewel Rana.
The mob stopped the victim’s vehicle, attacked him, and vandalised his car.
Similar attacks have been reported in various parts of the country, with some incidents driven by personal vendettas rather than genuine accusations of crime.
As a result, public anxiety is mounting.
Last Sunday alone, eight individuals in Dhaka were subjected to mob beatings on suspicion of theft and robbery.
They were later taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.
Such acts of vigilante violence have continued unabated in different regions of the country, further heightening public fear.
The interim government has reiterated its commitment to a zero tolerance policy regarding mob violence.
Officials have also issued warnings that those involved in these unlawful acts will be brought under legal scrutiny.
Over the past seven months, authorities have been monitoring and identifying individuals responsible for inciting and participating in mob attacks, vowing to bring them to justice.
According to legal and crime experts, deterring individuals from taking the law into their own hands is imperative.
They stress that there is no alternative to strengthening law enforcement and ensuring legal accountability to restore order.
Alarming statistics
Data from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reveals that in January of this year, 16 individuals fell victim to mob violence across the country.
The breakdown includes seven in Dhaka, one in Khulna, two in Rajshahi, two in Rangpur, two in Sylhet, one in Chattogram, and one in Barishal.
In February, 11 cases were recorded, with three each in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Barishal, and two in Mymensingh.
The most alarming spike occurred on 9 March, when eight people were lynched in a single day in Dhaka.
Throughout 2024, 128 people were subjected to mob violence, with Dhaka recording the highest number (57), followed by Rajshahi (19), Chattogram (17), Khulna (14), Barishal (7), Rangpur (5), Mymensingh (5), and Sylhet (4).
The Human Rights Support Society reported that in the past seven months alone, 114 incidents of mob violence have resulted in 119 deaths and 74 injuries following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Government response and law enforcement challenges
During a joint briefing on Sunday regarding the country’s law and order situation, Interim Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam declared, “We have adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards anarchy. The public must know that from now on, we will take a firm stance against mob justice, regardless of who is involved.”
He further stated that authorities are actively identifying those responsible for inciting and participating in mob violence.
Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to monitor individuals linked to such incidents over the past 7–8 months and take legal action where warranted.
Former IGP, Muhammad Nurul Huda emphasised that mob violence must be eradicated with an iron hand.
Speaking to the press, he remarked, “These incidents are occurring nationwide, leading the public to believe that law enforcement may be unwilling or unable to act. The demoralisation of the police force is being exploited by others. Moreover, some factions seeking to destabilise the interim government could be orchestrating these attacks.”
He stressed the need for swift legal action: “Wherever mob violence occurs, law enforcement must act decisively. If an incident happens in Gulshan, for example, it is not enough to arrest just three people—30 should be detained. The case must be investigated, and charges filed swiftly to instil fear among potential offenders.”
Expert opinions
Social crime expert Dr Touhidul Haque, Associate Professor at Dhaka University’s Institute of Social Welfare and Research, noted that rising crime rates often lead communities to take justice into their own hands.
“When people feel that law enforcement is not in full control, or that justice is unattainable through legal means, they resort to mob action. The current wave of mob violence in Bangladesh reflects both these realities.”
He also highlighted the contagious nature of mob violence: “Once an incident occurs and gains media attention, it tends to spread rapidly to other areas.”
Dr Haque expressed concerns over the government’s commitment to its zero-tolerance policy: “If authorities are serious about eradicating mob violence, strict legal measures must be implemented. In many cases, arrests are not being made, and even when they are, offenders continue to evade justice. The tendency to take the law into one’s own hands must be eradicated through consistent law enforcement.”
Police officials have reiterated their commitment to tackling the crisis.
Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Inamul Haque Sagar stated, “The police are working tirelessly to maintain law and order. Taking the law into one’s own hands is a crime in itself. Anyone involved in mob violence, regardless of their background, will face the full force of the law.”
As Bangladesh grapples with this surge in mob violence, it remains to be seen whether the government’s pledges will translate into effective action to restore public confidence in the rule of law.