Md. Al Amin

Mob justice is not only one kind of extrajudicial punishment by riotous people but also a tragic phenomenon of violating human rights around the world. Besides, it is a criminal offence, which hampers order, security, and peace by spreading panic among people. It is a great obstacle to justice because it is also contradictory to some sections of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -1948 (UDHR) and the constitution of Bangladesh. It often results in mob lynching, a pathetic example of extrajudicial killing by the angry mob when the concerned authorities are inactive. It often occurs in the streets, court premises, workplaces, and so on when there is less possibility of getting justice. Doubt, rumour, objectionable remarks, the planned incitements of different groups, political revenge and violence, misusing power, the misinformation of mass media, previous enmity, and so on are responsible for mob justice.

Editors, content creators, law enforcers, students, guardians, judges, political activists and leaders, MPs, ministers, and others are also the victims of mob justice in conformity with different media reports. It is also noticeable that a vicious circle is trying to make the interim government in Bangladesh dysfunctional and controversial differently. Misinformation is also enough to create anarchy in the human society. It is a matter of deep concern that rumour is spread from the fake, mysterious, and perilous IDs of social media. Criminals often create chaos by misusing modern technologies. Moreover, unemployment is another means of creating different criminal activities. Jobless or needy people often involve themselves in unethical and criminal activities like robbery, snatching, theft, and so on to meet their financial demands.

Consequently, they often become the victims of mob justice. It is sorrowful that innocent people are also the victims of mob justice because of doubt.To suspect or punish someone without specific evidence is forbidden in Islam religion. It is a matter of regret that the incidents of mob justice are also taking place in different areas of Bangladesh in Ramadan, a special month of self-purification. Islam, the religion of peace, doesn't support mob justice. Rather, it emphasizes justice or fair play.

If we look at some past incidents of mob justice, it will be easier for us to realise the unthinkable brutality of mob justice. A group of rowdy villagers killed 6 students suspecting them as robbers at Aminbazar on 18 July 2011. Besides, this pathetic incident created bitter criticism among the people of different classes. Moreover, Taslima Begum Renu was killed by a group of riotous people at Dhaka's Budda area on 20 July 2019, on suspicion of being a child kidnapper although she was an innocent guardian. Besides, Tofazzal Hossain was beaten to death by a group of DU students at Dhaka University's (DU) Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall on 18 Sep. 2024 because he was accused of theft. The tragic deaths of Taslima Begum Renu and Tofazzal Hossain also created intense criticism among people.

Mob justice is a clear instance of disrespecting the rule of law. According to the report of the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), at least 792 people were killed by mass beatings from 2015 to 2024. Besides, it denotes that at least 765 people were injured by the incidents of mass beatings in the last ten years. Every unnatural incident is really painful. Regarding mob justice, this columnist has conducted an interview of Assistant Professor Shahadat Hossain, Political Science, Kishoreganj Govt. Mohila College, Kishoreganj. Shahadat Hossain says, “Mob justice is an unlawful act that occurs because of the mistrust in the judicial system.

The civil society, teachers, students, and others can play a significant role in stopping mob justice by creating public awareness differently.” The incidents of mob justice or violence are increasing day by day because of the irresponsibility of law enforcement agencies according to different media reports. It is also true that mob justice has already taken a horrible form in Bangladesh. Besides, it is clear that the law and order situation of our country is not completely satisfactory at present.

The government should ensure accountability everywhere without delay because irresponsibility is responsible for chaos.The culture of impunity also inspires criminals to be more desperate in future. It will be possible to eradicate this vile and ancient culture of mob justice if the following recommendations or proposals are taken into consideration :

1. Stop the culture of impunity for ever. 2. Take stern steps against the fake, mysterious, and perilous IDs of social media to stop rumour. 3. Take more effective measures whenever mob justice occurs. 4. Free the judiciary from corruption and illegal pressure. 5. Stop misusing modern technologies to maintain order, security, and peace. 6. Ensure real criminals’ exemplary punishment wherever mob justice takes place. 7. Increase intelligence surveillance wherever it is necessary. 8. Create public awareness against mob justice regularly 9. Ensure objectivity before publishing any news. 10. Confirm the rule of law for all without delay. It is high time to take the best decision.The sincere attempts of this interim government to maintain order, security, and peace everywhere are undoubtedly laudable. Is it possible on behalf of any government to ensure public security, order, and peace everywhere without the help of citizens? The answer is “no”. I think that non-cooperation is a great obstacle to the overall success of any government. This country is ours. We should not do any injustice to our country and countrymen. If we always stand against all kinds of criminal activities, nobody will dare to create anarchy. If we do something good, our future generation will feel proud of us. On the other hand, if we do something sinister, our future generation will hate us. So, we should work together to build a safe, peaceful, and happy country forgetting past.

The writer is a popular columnist who writes columns in different national English dailies of Bangladesh. His X (Twitter) handle is “@ColumnistAlAmin”.