Escalating Mob Violence in Bangladesh: A Growing Concern
Increasing Lawlessness in Bangladesh
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Dhaka, Oct 3: Since the uprising in July 2024, Bangladesh has seen a troubling rise in mob violence and a general breakdown of law and order. A report highlights a disturbing trend where individuals are increasingly taking justice into their own hands, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement.
According to a review by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), which assessed the interim government that came to power after the political turmoil in 2024, there has been a notable increase in mob formations to assert demands. This trend has persisted under the current BNP-led administration that took office following the parliamentary elections in February 2026, as reported by 'Global Voices'.
The report references Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, who indicated that a lack of accountability is exacerbating this issue in Bangladesh.
Ain 'o Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights organization based in Dhaka, reported that from January to August 2026, at least 154 individuals lost their lives due to mob violence across the country.
Rifat Alam Risan, a Bangladeshi journalist, shared his personal experience of how swiftly a crowd can turn hostile. In December 2025, while covering the aftermath of the shooting of radical Islamist leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, he was assaulted by a mob.
Risan recounted that the situation escalated when someone falsely accused him of being involved in the shooting. “Someone shouted, ‘He shot Hadi, and now he has come back to attack us.’ The accusation spread rapidly, and I was attacked without any consideration,” he explained.
“They beat me and forced me out of the hospital. I collapsed on the road, and they attempted to seize my phone. Fortunately, I was rescued by a fellow reporter and other media personnel present at the scene,” he added.
Another journalist, Jamal Ruhany, noted a similar pattern in mob behavior. “Initially, one or two individuals target a specific person. Once the attack begins, more people join in without knowing the truth. Often, the victim is unaware of the accusations against them. It only takes one person to shout, ‘Beat him,’ for chaos to ensue,” Ruhany stated.
He also expressed concerns regarding police readiness, stating, “The morale of the police has significantly declined since August 5. In areas prone to mob violence, law enforcement is often ill-prepared. We rarely see police maintaining a state of readiness.”