At least 15 people were killed in mob beatings in Bangladesh during October, according to The Daily Star. The newspaper highlighted concerns over delayed investigations, discrepancies in official and independent figures, and growing demands for accountability and justice.
At least 15 people were killed in mob beatings across Bangladesh in October alone, highlighting continuing concerns over mob violence, delayed investigations and the government’s efforts to ensure accountability, according to an opinion article published by leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star.
In its article examining the persistence of mob violence, the newspaper expressed concern that repeated government assurances of strict action against those responsible had failed to prevent further incidents. It argued that the latest deaths demonstrated the continuing challenges in protecting citizens from extrajudicial violence.
The newspaper highlighted two recent incidents in Dhaka in which victims were allegedly beaten to death after being suspected of criminal activities.
In one incident, two pickup truck drivers, identified as Jony and Md Nishat, were reportedly beaten to death in the Jatrabari area of the capital late last month after being suspected of involvement in mugging.
In another incident, Alam Sheikh, who had reportedly travelled to Dhaka in search of employment and was said to have mental health issues, was beaten to death on the premises of Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital after being suspected of being a kidnapper.
Describing such incidents as a serious threat to the rule of law, The Daily Star stressed that allegations of criminal activity cannot justify violence or punishment outside the judicial system.
The newspaper also referred to figures released by the Bangladesh Home Ministry on October 20. According to the ministry’s report, 40 people were killed in 63 mob-beating incidents between January and September this year. During the corresponding period last year, 63 people were killed in 107 incidents, according to the official figures.
However, independent human rights organisations have reported considerably higher figures, raising questions about the scale of mob violence and the differences in data collection.
According to the newspaper, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) documented 171 deaths in mob beatings during the first nine months of this year. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) recorded 187 deaths and 401 injuries in 398 incidents during the same period.
The difference between official government statistics and figures compiled by independent rights organisations has prompted calls for a more comprehensive assessment of the situation.
The newspaper recalled that Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed had pledged on September 1 to take firm action against mob violence. At the time, he maintained that existing legal provisions were sufficient to prosecute individuals involved in such crimes.
Despite these assurances, the newspaper expressed concern over the continued incidents and argued that delays in investigations and prosecutions could weaken public confidence in the justice system.
It also referred to the killing of Tofazzal Hossain at Dhaka University’s Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall in September 2024. Hossain was reportedly beaten to death on suspicion of theft. Although arrest warrants were issued against 22 accused persons, only six had been arrested, according to the article.
Another case highlighted was the death of former Chhatra League leader Shamim Ahmed, also known as Shamim Molla, who was beaten at Jahangirnagar University in September 2024. The newspaper noted that an investigation report had not yet been submitted in the case.
According to The Daily Star, delays in these cases and the lack of visible progress in investigations could undermine public confidence in legal institutions. The article also pointed to concerns raised by rights activists that attempts to justify violence along social and political divisions could contribute to the continuation of mob attacks.
The newspaper argued that when those involved in mob violence believe they can escape punishment, the risk of further incidents increases. It emphasised that criminal allegations must be addressed through lawful investigations and judicial proceedings rather than public punishment.
Calling for urgent intervention, The Daily Star urged the government to ensure that every reported mob killing is promptly investigated, all individuals involved are identified and effective prosecution follows.
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It also called on the authorities to compare official statistics with data maintained by independent human rights organisations to establish a clearer picture of the scale of mob violence in Bangladesh.
The report concluded that ensuring accountability, strengthening investigations and upholding the rule of law are essential to preventing further mob killings and restoring public confidence in the country’s justice system.
