Call to end mob culture to protect democracy

Political leaders and eminent personalities on Wednesday called for strong action against mob culture, warning that violence, intimidation and mob justice are threatening democracy and social stability in the country.

The seminar, titled "Mob and Secret Politics: Culture or Misconduct", was organised by Daily News 10 Online at the Bangladesh Shishu Kallyan Parishad conference room on Topkhana Road.

Speakers at the event expressed concern over the recent rise in mob violence and what they described as secret political activities.

Speaking at the programme, Gonoforum President Subrata Chowdhury said mob culture had become institutionalised during the tenure of the interim government. He said mob violence tends to increase whenever state institutions weaken. 

He also demanded justice over incidents of mob violence, including attacks on shrines and temples and killings linked to mob justice. 

Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said mob violence could be stopped if the government takes a firm position.

"If mob culture continues, peace and democracy cannot be established," he said, adding that such practices must stop to restore stability.