Md. Bazlur Rashid

Social unrest and mob justice have emerged as significant issues in Bangladesh, fueled by socio-political, economic, and cultural dynamics that often destabilise communities. These phenomena reflect deeper structural problems, including weak law enforcement, rising inequality, political polarisation, and a general lack of trust in formal institutions. Mob justice, in particular, reveals how frustrations rooted in systemic failures lead people to take the law into their own hands. This article will explore the causes, consequences, and potential remedies to address the growing problem of social unrest and mob justice in Bangladesh.

One of the primary reasons for social unrest in Bangladesh is the lack of effective governance. Despite impressive economic growth, the gap between the rich and the poor remains vast, contributing to widespread frustration. Many marginalized groups feel alienated, as they are often left out of the country’s development narrative. The perception of corruption in public institutions, along with the unequal distribution of resources, exacerbates these grievances. As a result, protests and demonstrations, sometimes leading to violent clashes, have become a regular feature of the socio-political landscape in Bangladesh.

In rural and urban areas alike, the criminal justice system often fails to provide swift and fair judgments. The court system is notoriously slow, with cases often dragging on for years, which leaves victims and their families in a perpetual state of uncertainty. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies are frequently accused of inefficiency, corruption, and sometimes even collusion with criminal elements. This inefficacy has weakened public confidence in the rule of law, compelling some to resort to mob justice as a means of addressing their grievances. When citizens believe that the formal system cannot or will not deliver justice, they turn to alternative, informal means of redress, which is where the roots of mob justice lie.

Mob justice typically arises when communities feel that they have been wronged and have no recourse through official channels. Often sparked by incidents such as theft, accusations of sorcery, or interpersonal conflicts, these violent responses are immediate and brutal. Crowds gather rapidly, driven by a collective sense of outrage, and the accused, often innocent, is beaten, humiliated, or even killed before any investigation can be conducted. The violence escalates quickly, with the mob feeding off its momentum. These acts are often justified by the participants as necessary for maintaining order in the absence of a functional legal system. However, in reality, mob justice undermines the rule of law and perpetuates cycles of violence and instability.

One of the most alarming trends related to mob justice in Bangladesh is the role of misinformation and rumours in stoking public fury. With the rapid spread of social media and messaging platforms, unverified accusations and rumours can reach thousands of people within minutes. A single viral post claiming someone to be a thief, child abductor, or witch can incite a mob to form almost instantaneously. These online platforms have become hotbeds for the dissemination of false information, contributing to the rapid escalation of mob justice cases. In many instances, innocent people are targeted based on nothing more than speculation or baseless rumours spread through digital platforms.

The consequences of mob justice are severe and far-reaching. For the individuals who are accused, the results are often fatal or result in life-altering injuries. Innocent people have lost their lives because they were falsely accused of crimes they did not commit. Furthermore, mob justice erodes the social fabric of communities, creating an environment of fear and mistrust. Neighbours turn on each other, vigilantism becomes normalized, and the idea of collective punishment takes root. This degradation of social cohesion can lead to long-term instability, as communities become more prone to violence and less reliant on legal and social institutions.

Social unrest in Bangladesh is not confined to issues of justice and law enforcement but is also deeply linked to political and economic factors. Bangladesh’s political landscape has been characterized by frequent confrontations between the ruling party and opposition groups, leading to widespread protests, strikes, and violent demonstrations. These conflicts often spill over into the public sphere, affecting ordinary citizens. The youth, in particular, have become increasingly vocal in their opposition to political corruption and mismanagement. Movements like the recent student protests over road safety or the demands for reform of the quota system in government jobs are examples of how disillusionment with the political elite can lead to social unrest.

Economic inequality also plays a significant role in fueling unrest. Despite Bangladesh’s growth as an emerging economy, many citizens struggle with poverty, unemployment, and limited access to basic services. In some areas, land disputes, poor infrastructure, and lack of employment opportunities create conditions ripe for conflict. When people feel economically disenfranchised and see little hope for upward mobility, they become more susceptible to engaging in violent forms of protest. These economic grievances, coupled with social injustices, create a volatile environment where unrest can easily boil over into mob violence.

Addressing social unrest and mob justice requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, strengthening the country’s legal and judicial system is essential. Ensuring timely, fair, and transparent trials for criminal cases would help restore public trust in the formal justice system. Law enforcement agencies need to be better equipped and trained to deal with community grievances, ensuring they act swiftly and effectively to prevent the emergence of mob justice. Furthermore, the judicial system needs to be reformed to address the backlog of cases that leave victims waiting for years for resolution.

Education and public awareness campaigns are also crucial in combating mob justice. Communities need to be educated about the dangers of vigilantism and the importance of relying on legal channels for justice. Social media platforms, while a source of misinformation, can also be harnessed to spread messages of peace, tolerance, and the rule of law. By countering false rumours with verified information, digital platforms can play a role in reducing the incidences of mob violence. Encouraging responsible use of social media and implementing stronger regulations to curb the spread of disinformation could help prevent the escalation of violence driven by rumours.

Economic reforms aimed at reducing inequality and creating job opportunities are also essential in addressing the root causes of social unrest. Poverty alleviation programs, access to education, and skills training for young people could go a long way in mitigating the frustrations that often lead to violent protests. Inclusive economic policies that ensure the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities can help create a more stable society where social unrest is less likely to erupt.

Finally, political reforms aimed at reducing corruption and increasing transparency in governance would help address the public’s disillusionment with the political system. If citizens feel that their voices are being heard and their concerns are being addressed, they are less likely to resort to violence as a means of expressing their grievances. Strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring accountability at all levels of government would contribute to a more just and peaceful society.

In conclusion, social unrest and mob justice in Bangladesh are symptoms of deeper structural issues, including weak governance, economic inequality, and the failure of formal institutions to deliver justice. While these problems are complex and interrelated, addressing them is critical to ensuring long-term peace and stability in the country. By strengthening the rule of law, reducing economic disparities, and improving governance, Bangladesh can work towards reducing social unrest and eliminating the dangerous phenomenon of mob justice.

The writer is the head of the Department of Sociology, at Tejgaon College, Dhaka.