The recent surge in mob lynchings across Bangladesh is a grave concern that demands immediate attention from both the government and society at large.
Our newspaper on Friday reported that with at least 114 incidents and 119 lives lost in just seven months since the interim government took over, the situation has spiraled into a national crisis.
The brutal killing of Tofazzal Hossain at Dhaka University last September serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by an unchecked mob mentality.
Historically, mob lynchings in Bangladesh have often been fueled by rumors, particularly those related to child abductions.
However, the current wave of violence appears to be driven by a broader sense of public outrage, exacerbated by the political upheaval since August last year.
The interim government’s inability to control these incidents has led to a climate of fear and mistrust, where citizens feel compelled to take justice into their own hands.
The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has reported a disturbing trend: Mob violence is no longer limited to isolated incidents of theft or robbery.
Instead, it has evolved into a pervasive “mob culture,” where groups of people feel justified in meting out punishment without due process.
This shift is alarming and poses a significant threat to the rule of law in Bangladesh.
The government must take decisive action to address this issue. It is imperative to restore public confidence in law enforcement and the judicial system.
This can be achieved through community engagement, public awareness campaigns, and strict enforcement of laws against mob violence.
The government should also investigate the underlying causes of this phenomenon, as identified by HRSS, which include social unrest, political instability, and a lack of trust in authorities.
Moreover, civil society and media play a crucial role in combating the spread of misinformation that often incites violence.
Responsible reporting and community dialogue can help dispel rumors and foster a culture of understanding and tolerance.
As a nation, we must collectively reject the notion that mob justice is acceptable.
The sanctity of human life and the principles of justice must prevail over the chaos of vigilante actions.
It is time for Bangladesh to confront this menace head-on, ensuring that the rights of all citizens are protected and that justice is served through lawful means, not through the brutality of the mob.
