ASK condemns mob killings in Mymensingh, Lakshmipur; expresses concern over law and order situation

Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) has strongly condemned and expressed grave concern over two separate incidents of mob violence that claimed the lives of a garment worker in Mymensingh and a seven-year-old child in Lakshmipur, describing them as serious violations of human rights and the rule of law.

In a statement issued today (21 December), ASK said the brutal killings reflect a deteriorating law and order situation and a growing culture of impunity in Bangladesh.

According to media reports, on 18 December, Dipu Chandra Das, a worker at Pioneers Knitwears (BD) Limited, was beaten to death by a group of people in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, following allegations of "hurting religious sentiments". After the killing, his body was publicly displayed and set on fire. 

ASK said the incident constitutes a clear violation of the constitutional rights to life and legal protection as guaranteed under Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution. 

Hindu man lynched, body set ablaze over blasphemy allegation in Mymensingh

ASK emphasised that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. 

"Allegations related to religion must be addressed solely through legal procedures and the courts. Mob violence and extrajudicial punishment are entirely unlawful," said the statement.

In a separate incident on the night of 19 December, attackers allegedly locked the house of BNP leader Belal Hossain in Lakshmipur, poured petrol on it and set it ablaze. The BNP leader's seven-year-old daughter who was inside the house died in the fire. 

ASK described the killing as a horrific act of political violence and a gross violation of child rights and basic humanity, raising serious questions about the state's ability to ensure public safety. 

Child burnt to death, two others injured in arson attack on BNP leader's home in Lakshmipur

"Such incidents can no longer be treated as isolated events. The recurrence of extreme violence points to the failure to ensure effective, exemplary and timely justice, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity," it said.

The rights organisation stressed that the state's responsibility does not end with arresting suspects after the fact. "Those who planned, instigated or supported these acts of violence must also be identified and prosecuted."

ASK further called for impartial investigations into possible administrative and security failures linked to the incidents.

"The continued occurrence of such violence is creating widespread fear and insecurity, particularly among minority communities, political activists and ordinary citizens," said the statement.

The organisation warned that if decisive and effective measures are not taken immediately, such violence risks becoming further entrenched in society, for which the state will bear responsibility.