‘Mob justice threatens democracy’
Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep concern over the rising trend of mob justice in Bangladesh, calling it a dangerous descent into violent hysteria and a serious threat to human dignity and democratic progress.
In a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Tarique denounced mob justice as a grave violation of civil rights and the rule of law.
“A violent hysteria, now manifesting as ‘mob justice’, has become an enemy of humanity,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Tarique noted that although overt fascist rule may no longer be visible, Bangladesh has yet to begin the true process of building democratic institutions and ensuring their proper functioning.
“Only in a truly democratic society are the fundamental rights of citizens protected. Although open fascism may have subsided, the institutional development and democratic practices that uphold a free society remain absent in Bangladesh,” he said.
Tarique accused the ruling Awami League of subjecting the nation to nearly 16 years of authoritarian rule, which he described as “brutal.” He claimed that during this period, democracy was effectively suppressed and the country transformed into an authoritarian state.
He further alleged that civil liberties were stifled, freedom of expression silenced, and press freedom curtailed through repressive laws.
Referring to the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique said it was based on a politically motivated case. He also accused the government of deliberately denying her access to proper medical care.
Describing a nationwide climate of fear and repression, he added:
“The entire nation was plunged into silence through intimidation. Anyone who dared to speak out against the fascist regime faced brutal crackdowns by state-backed forces.
This culture of impunity led to a situation where state-sponsored terror pushed ordinary citizens to the brink.”
To prevent a return to one-party authoritarian rule, Tarique called for the revitalization of democratic values and institutions.
“We must reinforce democracy and ensure its continuous progress. A culture grounded in humanity, justice, the rule of law, and free and fair elections must be established. For this, unwavering unity among democratic forces is essential,” he emphasized.
Tarique highlighted the significance of June 26, the UN-designated International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, stressing its growing relevance in today’s global and national context.
“Although many nations achieved independence after World War II, violence and oppression still persist around the world,” he remarked.
He expressed solidarity with torture victims both in Bangladesh and globally.