Mob Terror Undermines Justice as Human Rights Abuses Escalate
In this context, one of the country’s most pressing challenges is curbing the rise of internal “mob rule.” Whether driven by rumors, religious extremism, or political rivalry, extrajudicial killings can never be justified. It must not be forgotten that the state’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Without identifying and imposing exemplary punishment on those involved in mob violence, this lawlessness will persist.
The 2025 annual report of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) presents a deeply troubling picture of the human rights situation in Bangladesh. The brutal deaths of 197 people due to mob violence or lynching within a single year are not merely statistics; they reflect the fragility of state institutions and a growing crisis of public trust in the rule of law.
According to the report, incidents of mob violence increased in 2025 compared to 2024—an alarming trend. The killing of a teenager on suspicion of theft, attacks on religious minorities under the pretext of blasphemy, and the public humiliation of dissenters clearly demonstrate how deeply intolerance and a culture of impunity have taken root in society. Particularly disturbing are allegations from Taraganj in Rangpur, where a person was reportedly beaten to death in the presence of police, raising serious questions about the professionalism and intent of law enforcement agencies.
The report’s findings on 107 deaths in custody and incidents of extrajudicial killings further underscore the gravity of human rights violations. Prisons are meant to serve as correctional facilities, not death chambers; the steady loss of lives of detainees and prisoners is in no way a normal or acceptable occurrence. Meanwhile, despite political changes, internal party conflicts and violence have claimed 102 lives, while 381 journalists have faced harassment and abuse—clear evidence that political culture has yet to undergo meaningful reform. Instead, the suppression of dissent and the pursuit of dominance continue to fuel violence in national politics. The ongoing killing of Bangladeshi citizens by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the border also remains a serious concern.
In this context, one of the country’s most pressing challenges is curbing the rise of internal “mob rule.” Whether driven by rumors, religious extremism, or political rivalry, extrajudicial killings can never be justified. It must not be forgotten that the state’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Without identifying and imposing exemplary punishment on those involved in mob violence, this lawlessness will persist.
We hope that 2026 will mark a turning point—a year of restored rule of law and human dignity, where impunity has no place. The government must take effective measures to ensure that the police and administration play a more responsible and decisive role in preventing mob violence. This is not merely an expectation, but a necessity for justice and democracy.
This article is written by popular writer, journalist, social worker, and apprentice lawyer Soyeb Sikder (LLB, LLM, The People’s University of Bangladesh).
