MOB violence, where citizens take matters into their own hands, has emerged as a troubling issue in Bangladesh. This type of vigilantism not only disrupts the legal framework but also endangers the civil liberties enshrined in the constitution of Bangladesh. Often driven by dissatisfaction with the justice system鈥檚 delays, such actions bypass legal procedures, resulting in serious human rights abuses. The increasing frequency of these incidents undermines the rule of law and erodes confidence in official judicial processes.
The alarming rise in mob lynching incidents in Bangladesh over the past decade has raised serious concerns about the erosion of law and order. According to Ain o Salish Kendra, a total of 32 people were killed in mob beatings between January and June of this year. Last year, the figure stood at 51, while 36 people were killed in 2022 and 28 in 2021. The trend shows that mob violence is not a new phenomenon in the country. In 2020, 35 people lost their lives to mob lynching, and in 2019, the death toll was as high as 65. The numbers were similarly alarming in previous years, with 39 deaths in 2018, 50 in 2017, and 51 in 2016. The peak was reached in 2015 when 135 people were beaten to death by mobs, followed by 127 in 2014 and 128 in 2013. These numbers reveal a disturbing pattern of increasing mob violence, with citizens bypassing legal institutions and taking matters into their own hands.
Mob justice often arises from a widespread lack of confidence in law enforcement and the judicial process. When the authorities are seen as corrupt or ineffective in delivering timely justice, communities may turn to vigilantism. According to Social Disorganisation Theory, this is a reaction to institutional breakdowns, where people feel compelled to take matters into their own hands, seeking immediate, though unlawful, justice. This has led to tragic outcomes, with numerous innocent individuals being wrongfully targeted due to mistaken identity, false accusations, or rumours spread through social media. In many cases, victims have been lynched based on unfounded claims, such as involvement in child abduction or theft. The slow pace of legal proceedings and the absence of prompt police action often exacerbate the situation, prompting people to bypass the legal system. Consequently, mob violence continues to undermine public trust in the justice system and contributes to an ongoing cycle of violence.
It has severe consequences, as it directly violates the constitutional rights enshrined in the country鈥檚 legal framework. Under Articles 31, 32, and 35 of the constitution, every citizen is guaranteed the right to life, liberty, and security, as well as the right to a fair trial. Mob violence bypasses these rights entirely, denying individuals the opportunity to defend themselves or go through due process. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty, a cornerstone of justice, is disregarded, leading to arbitrary punishments often based on misinformation or rumors. This not only endangers lives but also erodes the rule of law.
Internationally, Bangladesh is bound by agreements such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to life and the right to a fair trial. Mob justice violates these commitments, undermining the country鈥檚 human rights obligations. The practice further creates a culture of fear and injustice, where the constitutional promise of fairness is replaced by violence and mob retribution.
It not only violates constitutional rights but also inflicts deep harm on society. When people take the law into their own hands, they undermine the justice system, replacing legal proceedings with violence. Innocent individuals are often targeted based solely on accusations or rumours, leading to tragic and irreversible consequences. In Bangladesh, there have been numerous cases where people have been brutally killed due to false accusations or misinformation. These incidents not only result in the loss of innocent lives but also create a culture of fear and mistrust within communities.
The legal framework in Bangladesh is critically flawed, contributing to the alarming rise of mob lynching. While the Penal Code of 1860 categorises culpable homicide as a punishable offence, its ambiguous language surrounding justifications for mob behaviour creates dangerous loopholes. For instance, Section 81 permits individuals to assert they acted in good faith to avert harm, which can be easily manipulated by mobs claiming to protect their communities from imagined threats like child abduction. This misuse of legal provisions effectively allows violent actors to evade responsibility and perpetuates a culture of impunity.
Additionally, Section 85鈥檚 reference to intoxication weakens accountability by implying that mobs are driven by temporary hysteria rather than intentional malice. This perspective cultivates an environment where individuals feel legitimised in resorting to violence, believing they are merely responding to an inadequate state response. Such reasoning is profoundly misguided, as it shifts the burden of violent actions onto rumours and fears that the government should be addressing.
Widespread issues of ineffective law enforcement and a corrupt judiciary further complicate this crisis. When citizens perceive that their safety and rights are neglected by the legal system, they resort to vigilante justice. This is not merely a breakdown of law enforcement; it represents a catastrophic failure of public trust in institutions designed to safeguard citizens. The entrenched social inequalities and cultural practices that normalise mob violence only serve to reinforce this vicious cycle. Ultimately, the laws of Bangladesh not only fail to shield the innocent but also provide troubling justifications for mob violence.
Combating the rise of mob lynching in Bangladesh requires a comprehensive and proactive strategy. First, it is crucial to strengthen the police force by increasing funding, resources, and training to enhance their capacity to prevent and respond to incidents of mob violence effectively. A well-equipped and trained police force can restore public confidence in law enforcement and deter individuals from taking justice into their own hands.
Second, establishing an independent and efficient judicial system is essential to ensure that cases are adjudicated fairly and promptly. Streamlining court processes and reducing backlogs can help individuals feel that justice is achievable within the legal framework, reducing the temptation to resort to mob violence.
Third, the government should consider forming a dedicated task force focused on preventing mob lynching. This task force could coordinate efforts among law enforcement, community leaders, and civil society organisations to address the root causes of mob violence and implement preventive measures.
Fourth, public education campaigns are vital to raise awareness about the legal consequences of mob lynching and the importance of due process. Engaging communities through workshops and discussions can foster a culture of respect for the law and discourage vigilante actions.
Lastly, addressing socio-economic disparities is critical to preventing mob lynching. Implementing policies that promote social equity, economic opportunity, and community development can reduce the grievances that fuel mob mentality. By addressing these underlying issues, Bangladesh can work toward a more just society where individuals trust the legal system to protect their rights and safety.
Mob lynching represents a grave threat to civil liberties, resulting in the wrongful punishment of individuals based on unfounded allegations. Driven by a lack of trust in the legal system and deep-seated social inequalities, this trend erodes constitutional rights and fosters a cycle of violence. To effectively address this issue, a multifaceted strategy is essential, emphasising the strengthening of law enforcement, enhancement of judicial efficiency, and increasing public awareness about the importance of legal processes.
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Sumaiya Islam Daeen studies law and human rights at the University of Asia Pacific.
