Cease the 'Mob Devils'

Since taking office, the interim government has been dealing with mobs and protests almost daily. However, its success in handling such situations has been questionable, with the latest example unfolding at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. On Monday, February 10, a group of enraged individuals targeted writer Shatabdi Bhav at the fair, accusing Sabyasachi Publications of displaying books by the "controversial" author Taslima Nasrin. The police had to escort Shatabdi Bhav out of the premises, and he was forced to apologize publicly. Following this, the stall was temporarily shut down. The Bangla Academy later stated that the stall was reopened, but a final decision would be made after a task force meeting.

According to media reports, a group gathered around Sabyasachi Publications’ stall upon noticing Taslima Nasrin’s books for sale. Writer Shatabdi Bhav happened to be seated there at the time. A heated exchange broke out when he was questioned about selling Taslima Nasrin’s books. As tensions escalated, Shatabdi chanted "Joy Bangla," further agitating the crowd, which then attempted to attack him. Some even demanded that he hold his ears and apologize. Eventually, he folded his hands in submission before the police intervened and took him away. Notably, Sabyasachi Publications had already been facing threats for displaying Taslima Nasrin’s books. Several individuals on Facebook had even called for the stall’s closure.

The question arises: Was this incident at the book fair merely a case of mob violence, or was there something more behind it? Since the political shift on August 5, incidents of mob violence under the guise of mob justice have been occurring repeatedly. Does this incident reflect that same pattern? Furthermore, the interim government has consistently emphasized inclusiveness and unity, but do such incidents undermine its stance? Despite repeated occurrences, the government and law enforcement agencies seem unable to take effective action. A recent example was the attack on Bangabandhu’s residence at Dhanmondi-32. Social media campaigns openly announced plans to vandalize and set fire to the site, yet authorities failed to prevent it. Even when a military unit was present, they were reportedly forced to withdraw.

On the night of February 5, following this incident, the homes of many leaders of the Awami League—ousted in the July coup—were attacked, vandalized, and even set on fire in various parts of the country. However, there were no reports of law enforcement intervening to prevent these acts. This naturally raises the question: Did the government tacitly support the arson and vandalism while issuing strong-worded statements afterward merely for public display? Could the government have prevented these incidents if it had truly wanted to? And are those carrying out these acts more powerful than the law enforcement agencies or even the government itself?

Last month, in Dinajpur and Joypurhat, local groups forced the cancellation of women’s football matches. Following widespread criticism, on January 30, the Chief Advisor’s Office issued a statement expressing deep concern and directed local authorities to ensure the matches took place. The statement warned that any attempt to violate women’s rights or impose unlawful restrictions would be met with legal action. It also assured that any effort to discriminate against or oppress citizens would be strictly dealt with. However, within a week of this warning, a women's football match in Taraganj, Rangpur, was shut down due to protests by a group called Touhidi Janata. Shockingly, the local administration even imposed Section 144 in response.

How was such an incident possible just a week after a direct warning from the Chief Advisor? If mobs can forcefully cancel a sports event, does that mean they are more powerful than the government, the administration, and law enforcement agencies? Why did the local police and administration choose to impose Section 144 instead of ensuring the match took place? Why couldn’t they defy the demands of an enraged crowd and uphold the right to play? Whose weakness does this expose?

Did this incident not put Dr. Yunus and his government in an embarrassing position? And what message did it send to the international community? The crucial question is: Despite repeated warnings from the highest levels of the state, why do these incidents of mob justice and anarchic violence continue? Is the message from the state failing to reach those responsible? Are they simply disregarding government directives, or is a particular group deliberately fueling this chaos to advance its own agenda?

On the evening of the same day that the unfortunate incident took place at the book fair, a delegation from the BNP met with the Chief Advisor of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, to discuss the country’s ongoing situation. After the meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told journalists that they had expressed their deep concerns about recent incidents. The BNP believes that the government cannot avoid responsibility for these events, as they have unfolded right in front of various law enforcement agencies.

However, the Chief Advisor condemned the book fair incident and instructed authorities to take action against those responsible. A statement from his office mentioned that security at the fair would be reinforced and that the police had been directed to ensure no further untoward incidents occur at this significant cultural event.

In reality, those responsible for such incidents—particularly those acting under the banner of Touhidi Janata, claiming to serve Islam—are not even close to the true essence of Islam. They are extremists, because Islam has no place for extremism. Islam always preaches tolerance and respect for differing opinions. The Holy Quran, in Surah Ha Mim Sajdah, states: "Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with that which is better, and you will see that the one who was your enemy will become your closest friend."

Thus, declaring someone an atheist or apostate and attacking them, instead of understanding Islam’s profound message, is a direct violation of Islamic teachings. Furthermore, the so-called protests and mob violence by Touhidi Janata are damaging in multiple ways: The government must adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of violence, regardless of political affiliation, ideology, or group identity. The term “devil” should not be used to single out just one group—if there are destructive forces or vested interests within the government or among those closely associated with it, they too must be dealt with firmly.

Moreover, the government must remain vigilant against anyone attempting to justify or rationalize mob violence under various pretexts or arguments. If such justification is allowed, the message being sent to the international community about Bangladesh will not only tarnish the reputation of Dr. Yunus—an internationally acclaimed figure—but also undermine the aspirations for change that emerged following the July coup. It is crucial to remember that opportunities for reform and transformation do not come often. If this moment is squandered, the country will inevitably plunge into even deeper darkness.

Amin Al Rasheed: Journalist and Writer.