Mob violence death rate rises fivefold in four years

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:25 AM

Mob violence death rate rises fivefold in four years

Bangla Press Desk: The death rate from mob lynching and vigilante violence in Bangladesh has increased fivefold over the past four years. In 2021, 29 people were killed in such incidents; by 2024, the number had risen to 146. On average, more than 12 people were killed per month last year. Between August last year and July 31 this year, 177 people died in mob violence. The figures come from a four-year annual report by the human rights group Manabadhikar Sangskriti Foundation (MSF). The report describes mob violence in the country as having reached an alarming level, with incidents occurring anywhere and at any time—often targeting suspected thieves, robbers, or rapists. While previously such violence mostly targeted suspected criminals, recent victims have included teachers, students, politicians, doctors, government officials, and even members of law enforcement agencies. AIG (Media) of Police Headquarters, AHM Shahadat Hossain, said that the country went through a period of transition during which law enforcement was weakened, leading to a surge in mob activity. However, he said the situation is improving, with police now “100% prepared” to respond swiftly to crime reports, urging the public to contact local police stations or the emergency helpline 999 when in trouble.

Data shows that from January to July last year, 47 people were killed in mob attacks, while from August to December, 99 were killed—twice as many in just five months, accounting for 66% of the year’s total. According to the Law and Arbitration Centre, the same pattern was observed: 32 deaths in the first seven months of the year, and 96 in the last five months, or 75% of the total. MSF’s data also shows that in the first six months of this year, 89 people were killed in mob violence—45 in Dhaka, 17 in Chattogram, 11 in Barishal, four each in Rajshahi and Rangpur, three each in Mymensingh and Khulna, and two in Sylhet. Research by the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) and others confirms the alarming rise. A SANEM survey published on July 7 found that 71.5% of young people believe mob justice has a deep impact on society and is eroding trust in the legal system.

Professor Dr. Md. Robiul Islam of Jahangirnagar University’s Law and Justice Department told Kaler Kantho that if such incidents occur despite the presence of a government, it represents “a severe failure.” He blamed weak rule of law, inadequate action by law enforcement, lack of intelligence gathering, and political impunity. Without transparency and independence in the judiciary, he warned, the problem could worsen. Recent Case In Taraganj, Rangpur, two men—Rupalal Das (40) and his relative Pradip Das (35)—were beaten to death by locals on suspicion of van theft last Saturday night. The victims were on their way to finalize a marriage arrangement when they were attacked in Burirhat Bottola area. Families said the suspicion was baseless, and both men were innocent. This article was originally published on Daily Sun.

[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]B P/SP

Mob violence death rate rises fivefold in four years

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