From January to May of this year, 141 incidents of mob attacks occurred across the country, resulting in 52 deaths. Another 289 people were injured in these incidents, according to statistics from the Human Rights Culture Foundation.Recently, in broad daylight in Uttara, Dhaka, a mob tried to forcibly seize a residential hotel by creating chaos. The miscreants arrived on motorcycles and caused disorder. In May, a group of youths tried to enter a house in Dhanmondi, claiming collaborators of the autocratic government were there. Police later intervened to control the situation.Then, on June 22 in Uttara, the mob menace came into the spotlight again when former Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda was publicly humiliated with a garland of shoes.Despite government warnings of strict measures against mob violence, the anarchy continues. Crime experts believe most mob attacks since August 5 have been premeditated. Police are struggling to control the situation amid security concerns.According to data from the Human Rights Culture Foundation, in January, there were 21 mob incidents with 12 deaths and 38 injuries. In February, 8 were killed and 34 injured. March saw 39 incidents where 13 were killed and 96 injured. In April, 27 mob incidents led to 10 deaths and 53 injuries. In May, there were 36 incidents of mob chaos with 9 killed and 68 injured.Various political parties have also expressed condemnation and concern over the attacks in the name of “mob justice.” The government, in a statement, warned of strict action by law enforcement to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice, but mob violence has yet to stop.Bangladesh Police AIG (Media) Inamul Haque Sagar said, “Those involved with mobs have been brought under the law. We hope such incidents will not happen again. If anyone tries to commit such acts, they will be brought to justice.”Crime experts believe even police officers themselves still feel insecure, which is hindering full control of the situation.Society and crime expert Dr. Touhidul Haque said, “This premeditated violence cannot be resolved just with mobs. Bangladesh cannot remain a country of statements; the government and law enforcement must take strict and exemplary measures.”Several human rights organizations, including Ain o Salish Kendra, issued statements labeling mob violence as a serious human rights violation, adding that the government cannot avoid responsibility in this matter.
