ASK condemns killing of ‘Pir’ in Kushtia mob violence

The Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a leading human rights organization in Bangladesh, has strongly condemned the killing of a man identified as a 'pir' Daulatpur upazila in Kushtia, along with the vandalism and arson of his religious establishment.

The victim, identified as 'Pir' Shamim, was reportedly beaten and hacked to death by a mob following allegations of 'disrespecting religion.' The incident also involved the destruction and burning of his religious center.

According to local sources, tensions escalated an old video circulated on social media, which triggered widespread unrest and eventually turned into violent mob attacks on Sunday after.

Witnesses said that despite the presence of law enforcement, the mob carried out the attack and vandalized the establishment, creating a chaotic situation.

In a statement, ASK expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security for all citizens, and that no one can be deprived of life without due legal process.

The organization emphasized that taking the law into one’s own hands in the form of mob violence is a direct violation of constitutional rights and undermines the rule of law.

ASK also warned that such incidents reflect serious weaknesses in maintaining law and order, adding that repeated attacks on Sufi shrines, religious institutions, and spiritual centers have been reported in recent times, involving vandalism, arson, and killings.

The rights group further claimed that failures in preventing such violence have increased the risk of mob attacks across the country.

The statement stressed that justice cannot be ensured in a democratic society without the rule of law, and that mob justice fosters fear, instability, and a culture of impunity.

ASK called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the Kushtia incident and demanded that all those involved—directly or indirectly—be identified and brought to justice.

It also urged authorities to take legal action against individuals spreading provocative, misleading, or hateful content on social media that may incite violence.