ছবি: Photo: Collected
In a disturbing trend of vigilante justice, mob lynchings have claimed the lives of 792 people over the past decade, according to a report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The year 2024 has been the deadliest, with 179 deaths recorded in 201 incidents of mob violence. The report, released on Wednesday, highlights a growing tendency among people to take the law into their own hands, often branding individuals as thieves, robbers, or snatchers without evidence.
Between 2015 and 2024, HRSS documented 1,009 incidents of mob violence, resulting in 792 deaths and 765 injuries. The interim government, which came to power in August 2023, has seen 114 mob lynching incidents in just seven months, leading to 119 deaths and 74 injuries. The report underscores a culture of impunity, as perpetrators often escape legal consequences, fostering a cycle of lawlessness.
The HRSS report reveals that mob violence has surged across major cities and districts, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Bogura, Madaripur, Tangail, Khulna, Gazipur, Rajshahi, and Barishal. Despite cases being filed with police, thorough investigations and convictions remain rare, perpetuating a sense of injustice.
The report emphasizes that the Bangladeshi Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to a fair trial and legal protection, regardless of guilt or innocence. It also cites international human rights laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which prohibits torture, cruelty, and inhuman treatment. HRSS calls on law enforcement agencies to take proactive measures to curb mob violence and ensure justice for victims.
HRSS Executive Director Ijazul Islam expressed concern over the rising intolerance and brutality, stating, "People are forming mobs over trivial matters, leading to horrific acts of violence. If someone commits a crime, there are laws and police to handle it. The government must take strict action to prevent such brutality from escalating."
The organization has urged the interim government to ensure public safety, hold perpetrators accountable, and launch awareness campaigns to address the root causes of mob violence. Without immediate intervention, the report warns, the cycle of vigilante justice and impunity will continue to endanger lives and undermine the rule of law.
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