119 killed in mob violence in last 7 months: Report

At least 119 people have been killed and 74 injured in 114 mob lynching incidents over the last seven months since the interim government took office, according to a statement from the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

The statement, signed by HRSS Executive Director Ijazul Islam, highlights that the rise in mob violence has been linked to suspicions of theft, robbery, mugging, child kidnapping, and offenses against religious sentiments. 

The human rights society notes that while cases are filed, few are thoroughly investigated, and perpetrators often go unpunished, contributing to the increase in mob lynching incidents.

In January and February alone, 30 mob lynching incidents occurred across the country, resulting in 19 deaths and 20 injuries.

Is mob violence the new 'normal'?

Ijazul Islam pointed out that while mob lynching has been a long-standing issue in Bangladesh, it has intensified since the political changes in August last year, with more groups taking part in these attacks.

HRSS also reported that last year saw the highest number of mob killings in a decade, with 201 incidents resulting in 179 deaths and 88 injuries. Similar spikes in mob violence occurred in 2015 and 2016, with 232 deaths reported.

Mob violence continues to stoke insecurity 

Recent cases include the deaths of two people in Chattogram on 3 March, following a "false" loudspeaker announcement from a mosque about robbers in the area, and the ransacking of a house in Gulshan, Dhaka, by a mob on Tuesday under the guise of a "search operation."

Other incidents were reported in Shariatpur, Uttara, and multiple districts including Bogura, Madaripur, and Khulna.

Ijazul Islam cited six reasons behind the rise in mob violence: political grievances, ineffective law enforcement, increasing crime, lack of legal consequences, vested interests inciting unrest, and low public awareness of the dangers and legal implications of mob justice.