MOB violence, which increased after the fall of the Awami League regime, has continued unabated after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party assumed office. At least three were beaten to death by a mob on suspicion of theft in Gazipur on May 9. A robbery suspect was killed in a mob beating in Bogura on May 8. Rights group Ain O Salish Kendra data show that in the first quarter of the year, 61 people were killed in mob violence. A Manabadhikar Sangskriti Foundation report published April 30 shows that such incidents and consequent fatalities increased in April compared with March, indicating a pattern of vigilante ‘justice’ and institutional weakness. The report says that 21 people were killed in 49 incidents in April, up from 19 in 36 incidents in March. The role of the police, in most cases, has been more about de-escalating violence rather than preventing mobbing. Such a reactive role of the police, responding to events instead of taking pre-emptive action, does not support the government’s claim of zero tolerance of mob violence.
In the post-uprising Bangladesh, as communal and polarising politics intensified in the run-up to the elections of February 12, the interim government appeared unable or unwilling to contain the escalating wave of mob violence. In this context, some ministers on a number of occasions have said that the days of mob rule are over. The prime minister has also expressed commitment to upholding the rule of law. The home minister on May 9 said that the government would amend laws to contain mob violence. The crisis, however, is not the absence of law but the failure to enforce laws and ensure justice. The periodic policy statements and warnings from the home affairs ministry will not restore public trust in the system. Rights defenders have blamed pervasive impunity for the continued violence, noting that attackers rarely face legal consequences and are often sheltered by various political parties and groups. There is also growing concern that unchecked mob violence can cultivate a dangerous propensity for violence in the public. Law and order is generally on the declining trend, with 464 murder and 666 rape cases having been filed since the BNP government assumed office on February 17.
The government should, therefore, know that a mere announcement will not end mob violence and improve law and order. It must act decisively to break this cycle of violence and restore public trust with stringent law enforcement and adequate resources. Rapid-response mechanisms are essential to prevent mob attacks. Perpetrators of mob violence should face expeditious and visible legal consequences to end the culture of impunity.
