Stop killings by mob beating spreading on false accusation

The killing of people through mob beatings on the basis of false accusations is spreading in Bangladesh almost like an epidemic. Despite widespread discussion and criticism, this form of extrajudicial killing is not stopping in any way. According to news published in the media on Saturday (23 August), three people were beaten to death in three districts of the country after rumours were spread against them on Thursday night and Friday. According to the information received, one was a teenager and two were youths. Two of the victims were beaten on suspicion of theft, and one on the allegation of extortion. Police suspect that two of these incidents were premeditated.

Since the July 2024 mass uprising, such incidents have been increasing. Just a few days ago, two people were beaten to death at Taraganj in Rangpur, on suspicion of stealing a rickshaw van. This brings the death toll from mob beatings this month alone to 14. According to information from Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), between January and July this year, 103 people were killed in mob beatings. In 2024, 128 people died in such incidents. That means the number of deaths from mob beatings this year has almost doubled. In various incidents we have seen acts that surpass medieval barbarity. We have seen people killed by crushing with stones thrown on their chest, a robbery suspect beaten and then hung upside down from a foot over bridge, and three teenagers tied to a bridge railing and mercilessly beaten on suspicion of theft at Fatikchhari in Chattogram. These are acts of extreme savagery.

Although various initiatives have been taken to stop mob beatings or mob violence in the country, they have produced no real results. Many blame the failure of law enforcement agencies for the alarming rise in mob violence. But is it only negligence by law enforcement that is responsible? Or is there also a rising tendency towards violence within ordinary people?

Why a section of people suddenly becomes so aggressive is a matter that demands social research. Different types of crime have increased in society. Economically, people are now in a state of grave uncertainty. Economic uncertainty itself gives rise to various criminal tendencies. On one side, a section of unemployed people is getting involved in crimes; on the other, another section, due to lack of security and lack of confidence in law enforcement, are taking justice into their own hands.

From whichever angle it is explained, this is ultimately the failure of the present government. The government has failed to provide people with either economic security or proper security. According to crime analysts, people may take the law into their own hands out of fear of becoming victims of crime. To prevent this, crime must be curbed. And those who take the law into their own hands must also be punished.

However, this tendency towards violence cannot be stopped by law alone. There is no alternative to increasing mutual trust, empathy and tolerance among people in society. For this, a healthy and nurturing cultural environment must also be built. These are not isolated incidents. When a healthy democratic environment is disrupted in society and the state, such crimes increase. To stop this barbarity, there is no alternative to joint efforts by both the government and the people.