UNABATED mob violence shows that the government’s commitment to restoring the rule of law remains rhetoric. Yet, in another incident of mob violence in Kushtia on April 11, a spiritual leader, referred to as a pir, was killed and at least four others were injured after unidentified people vandalised and set fire to Shamim Baba’s durbar sharif at Philipnagar in the district. The violence reportedly occurred over a controversial remark about the Qur’an made by the victim, which circulated on social media. No case was filed until April 11 evening. The police, however, say that they have made deployment at the site to avert further violence. Local people say that tension had brewed since the morning on the day and an organised crowd attacked the durbar in the afternoon, but the law enforcement agencies only became active after the violence. A similar police role was also reported on April 10, when a group of four, including an artist and a private university teacher, were assaulted in front of the National Museum, a few yards from the Shahbagh police station, by members of the ‘Azadi Andolan,’ who accused them of being supporters of LGBTQ rights. Such a reactive role of the police, responding to events after the violence, does not support the government’s claim of zero tolerance of mob violence.
In post-uprising Bangladesh, as sectarian and polarising politics intensified in the run-up to the national elections held on February 12, the interim government appeared unable or unwilling to contain the escalating wave of mob violence. In this context, the home minister of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led government, on a number of occasions, has said that the days of mob rule are over. Other ministers, including the prime minister, have also expressed commitment to upholding the rule of law. Mob violence, however, alarmingly remains a routine. The Human Rights Support Society reported that 39 people were killed in mob violence in the first three months this year. There are allegations of inciting mobs against members and supporters of both the ruling and opposition political parties. Human rights advocates 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.
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 by strengthening law enforcement and providing adequate resources. Rapid-response mechanisms are also essential to prevent mob attacks. Crucially, perpetrators of mob violence must face early and visible legal consequences to end the culture of impunity.
