Law and Salish Center (ASK) has reported a more than twofold increase in mob justice incidents resulting in fatalities in the past year. The findings were published on Tuesday, December 31, as part of ASK’s annual human rights report. The report indicates that 128 individuals were killed in mob justice incidents in 2024, compared to 51 fatalities recorded in 2023. This alarming rise has raised significant concerns over public safety and the rule of law.

According to the report, Dhaka division recorded the highest number of deaths, with 57 individuals losing their lives to mob violence. Other divisions also reported fatalities: Rajshahi (19), Chattogram (17), Khulna (14), Barishal (7), Mymensingh (5), Rangpur (5), and Sylhet (4). The rise in mob violence coincided with socio-political unrest and public dissatisfaction with the judicial system, leading to more incidents of vigilante actions.

The report also shed light on broader human rights concerns, revealing that 858 individuals died, and 11,551 were injured during the anti-discrimination student movement in 2024. Many of these incidents were reportedly triggered by excessive use of force during demonstrations.

The data indicates that 11 women and 129 minors were among the victims of mob justice, highlighting the vulnerability of specific demographics. Other victims included students, workers, professionals, and members of various political groups.

Extrajudicial killings were also documented, with 21 cases reported in 2024. These included deaths in law enforcement custody, where six individuals reportedly died from physical torture. Although the number of extrajudicial killings has decreased, ASK emphasized that such practices persist and remain a significant concern.

In addition to violence, the report highlighted targeted attacks on religious and ethnic minorities. In 2024, there were 147 reported incidents of vandalism targeting the homes, places of worship, and businesses of the Hindu community. These attacks resulted in the destruction of 408 homes, 113 businesses, and 92 Hindu deities. The violence led to the deaths of three individuals from the Hindu community and one from the Ahmadiyya community, with at least 82 others injured.

Gender-based violence also remained prevalent, with 401 women reported as victims of rape or gang rape. Of these, 34 were killed following the assaults. Children continued to face severe violence, with 574 deaths recorded in 2024, attributed to various factors, including murder, physical abuse, sexual violence, and online harassment. Among them, 234 were reported as victims of sexual assault.

ASK’s report also highlighted ongoing human rights violations against indigenous communities in both plain and hill tracts. On December 24, 17 homes belonging to Tripura families in Lama Upazila, Bandarban, were burned down following alleged extortion attempts. In another incident on September 18, a young man named Md. Mamun was beaten to death in Khagrachari district over accusations of motorcycle theft. The event led to clashes between hill and plain communities in Khagrachari and Rangamati, resulting in four deaths, 50 injuries, and multiple arson attacks on homes and businesses.

Further reports of violence surfaced from districts such as Rajshahi, Naogaon, Chapainawabganj, Dinajpur, and Thakurgaon, where around 70 families faced attacks from unidentified assailants.

Despite repeated calls for reforms, the report underscores the persistent challenges in addressing the root causes of violence and discrimination across Bangladesh. It calls for immediate steps to ensure justice and safeguard the rights and dignity of all citizens.