By The Voice Desk | June 24, 2025
Despite repeated pledges by the interim government, military, and police to stop vigilante justice, Bangladesh continues to witness an alarming surge in mob violence. Over the past 10 months, at least 174 people have been killed in mob attacks or lynchings across the country, with 83 of those deaths occurring between January and June 2025 alone.Two leading human rights organizations — Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and Manobadhikar Sanskriti Foundation (MSF) — have independently documented the crisis. MSF reported that in the last 8 months, 150 people were killed and 363 injured in mob violence. These figures exclude data for November and December 2024, making the true numbers potentially higher.In 2023, MSF recorded 86 deaths in 143 mob-related incidents. Rights advocates warn that despite repeated government statements, there are no visible actions or successful prosecutions against perpetrators. Even law enforcement officers are not immune — many have been attacked while trying to control or prevent mob action.According to the police headquarters, from August 2024 to May 2025, a total of 477 cases were filed over attacks on police. The numbers show an alarming trend: • August: 41 cases • September: 24 • October: 34 • November: 49 • December: 44 • January 2025: 38 • February: 37 • March: 96 • April: 52 • May: 62Former Election Chief AssaultedIn the most recent incident, on Sunday, a mob stormed the Uttara residence of former Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda following a lawsuit filed by the opposition BNP accusing him and 23 others of facilitating an illegitimate election. Witnesses say 40–45 individuals broke into his home and dragged him out, claiming they were there to “ensure his safety.”A video circulating online shows Nurul Huda being physically assaulted and humiliated, including having a shoe forced onto his face. Despite clear footage, no arrests had been made as of Monday evening, although police said several perpetrators were identified.Among those named are local leaders of the BNP’s volunteer and youth wings, including Mohammad Hanif, Toha Islam Munna, Mozammel Haque Dhali, and Qayyum. Dhali, in a televised statement, claimed the group acted on instructions to prevent Nurul Huda from fleeing and handed him over to police with the help of local residents.However, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that “no one, no matter their crime, should be denied their constitutional rights.” He also accused Nurul Huda of being instrumental in dismantling Bangladesh’s democratic and electoral institutions.Government Vows Action, Critics DoubtfulIn response to the assault, the interim government issued a statement late Sunday promising to identify and punish those responsible for inciting public disorder through mob action. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury echoed that sentiment on Monday, confirming a probe into the incident and warning that even members of law enforcement will face consequences if found complicit.But critics say such statements lack credibility. “The culture of mob justice has become normalized,” said human rights activist Nur Khan Liton. “Ten months after the new administration promised rule of law, we’re still witnessing brutal vigilante attacks.”Dr. Tawhidul Haque, a sociologist and crime expert at Dhaka University, noted that the attacks seem premeditated and politically manipulated. “Who decides who will be targeted? Who records the footage? It all feels orchestrated,” he said. He warned that mob violence, like a contagious disease, will continue to spiral unless decisively suppressed.A Broader Culture of Impunity?ASK, in a statement, said the attack on Nurul Huda violated not only individual rights but also the constitution, human dignity, and the rule of law. “Mob justice cannot be tolerated in a democratic society,” the group declared.The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) also called for urgent measures, stressing that any accused individual must be dealt with through the legal system. “Taking the law into one’s own hands represents a gross violation of human rights and the legal framework of the nation.”Both organizations urged the interim government, law enforcement agencies, and local authorities to take firm and transparent action against perpetrators and to prevent further acts of mob justice.As the country awaits meaningful steps to curb this growing crisis, public trust in institutions — and in the promise of justice — continues to erode.
