Violent frenzy of 'mob justice' emerges as enemy of humanity: Tarique
Even though the country is free from fascism, the process of building democratic institutions and ensuring proper practice has yet to begin, he says
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has voiced deep concern over what he called a growing culture of mob justice, terming it "a violent frenzy".
In a statement issued today (25 June) on the occasion of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, he described mob justice as a threat to the foundations of humanity and democratic progress.
"Now, a violent frenzy called 'mob justice' has emerged as an enemy of humanity," he wrote in a Facebook post.
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Tarique also said even though the country is free from fascism, the process of building democratic institutions and ensuring proper practice has yet to begin.
"Only in a democratic society are people's fundamental rights truly protected. While the fascist regime may have ended, the institutional building and healthy practice of democracy in Bangladesh has yet to begin," he said.
Alleging that Bangladesh has endured nearly 16 years of authoritarian misrule under brutal Awami League fascism, Tarique said, "During this period, democracy was effectively imprisoned, and the country was transformed into a totalitarian state.
"All forms of civil liberties, including freedom of expression, were stripped away. Press freedom was shackled by repressive laws. Khaleda Zia was unjustly imprisoned in a fabricated case. Even her access to proper medical care was cruelly obstructed by the inhumane Awami government."
Further alleging that the entire nation was kept in a state of fear, silence, and repression, Tarique added, "Anyone who dared to speak out against this fascist regime faced violent crackdowns by government-backed forces. Under this culture of impunity, state-sponsored terror pushed ordinary people to the brink of existence."
He said, "To prevent the re-emergence of a one-party state, we must energise democracy and uphold its continuity. We must strive to build a tradition rooted in humanity, justice, rule of law, and free and fair elections. For that, unwavering unity among pro-democratic forces is essential."
Highlighting the importance of 26 June, Tarique said the UN-designated International Day in Support of Victims of Torture holds immense significance.
"Although many nations gained independence after World War II, violence and conflict remain rampant across the globe," he said.
Tarique expressed solidarity with victims of torture around the world, saying, "On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, I express deep empathy with all those who have been subjected to abuse in Bangladesh and globally.
"I call for the removal of all obstacles to justice for the victims. It is only through the collective efforts of democratic, humanitarian-minded individuals worldwide that we can defeat oppressive regimes."
