Stop rape and mob beatings

According to a monthly report by human rights organisation Manabadhikar Sanskriti Foundation (MSF), the number of rapes and killings by mob beating has increased in the country this June. Violence against women, including gang rape, has not decreased this month either. Physical abuse and assault have increased. Since last May, there has been a noticeable trend of a rise in the number of unidentified dead bodies in the country.

According to the available data, at least 63 incidents of rape occurred in the country in June. In May, this number was 59. At the same time, the number of mob beatings and casualties has increased. In June, 10 people were killed and 47 seriously injured in 41 incidents of mob beating. In the previous month, 7 people were killed and 38 injured in 34 incidents. Among the 63 rape victims in June, there were 19 children and 23 adolescents. On the other hand, 2 children, 7 adolescent girls, and 8 women were victims of gang rape, and 1 adolescent girl and 3 women were victims of rape and murder. There were 27 attempted rapes, 39 incidents of sexual harassment, and 51 incidents of physical abuse. These facts were presented in the June report of the Manabadhikar Sanskriti Foundation (MSF), published on Tuesday (July 1).

There is no need for research or surveys to understand that rape and mob beatings have increased in the country. News from the media and social media reveals a frightening situation in the country. Since the mass uprising, it has been observed that the rate of rape and mob beatings has increased. Human rights activists are blaming the recent violent situation on the inaction of law enforcement agencies. Even after a year, the interim government has not been able to properly improve the law and order situation, which is extremely unfortunate.

According to the Constitution of Bangladesh, every citizen, whether guilty or innocent, is entitled to legal protection, justice, and the opportunity to defend themselves. According to Section 59 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, if a criminal is caught, they must be handed over to the police. Failure to do so may result in imprisonment for up to six months without labour or a fine of up to Tk 500 under Section 187 of the Penal Code.

But recently it has been seen that due to a lack of trust in the law, many are taking the responsibility of delivering justice into their own hands. Mob beating is also an effect of a cultural distortion. The recent rise in mob justice is a worrying trend. It is evident that various mobs are being encouraged even at the state level, and senior officials of the administration are referring to mobs not as mobs but as pressure groups, which is further encouraging them.

One way or another, public justice, mobs, and mob beatings must be stopped. At the same time, clear justice for murder and rape must be ensured. If the law does not operate in its own course, then ultimately everyone will have to suffer. If law and order cannot be improved, killings, rapes, murders, and mob beatings can in no way be controlled. And if these are not controlled, Bangladesh will become a failed state. Which is in no way desirable for us.