Are we becoming numb to mob violence?

The latest Human Rights Situation Monitoring Report published by the Bangladesh Civil Rights Society (BCRS) is more than just alarming for every citizen - who values justice, human dignity and the rule of law. Moreover, numbers mentioned in the report are not merely statistics, rather they are powerful reminders about how lives are unexpectedly cut short, families devastated and a society gradually becoming seemingly numb to mob violence. And if these trends continue unchecked, Bangladesh risks normalising lawlessness at the expense of democratic values and human rights.

However, let the disturbing statistics speak first, during the first six months of 2026, a staggering 135 people were killed and 256 injured in 263 incidents of mob attacks. In the corresponding period of 2025, 67 people were killed and 119 injured in 141 incidents. Almost double deaths within a year reflect a dangerous erosion of public trust in our justice system, where mobs are increasingly assuming the role of judge, jury and executioner - all three at the same time. Such acts can never be justified, irrespective of whatever allegations against the victims.

Concurrently, the report also paints a bleak picture of political instability by recording 58 deaths linked to political and electoral violence, including 39 BNP activists, 6 Jamaat-e-Islami members and 3 individuals reportedly affiliated with the banned Awami League. Overall, 832 incidents of political violence were documented with 675 involving clashes between the BNP and other political parties, leaving more than 5,246 people injured or attacked. Election-related violence alone claimed 13 lives, injured 2,578 people while resulting in widespread destruction of homes, businesses and election offices. In addition, the report documented 1,621 victims of violence against women and girls, compared to 1,042 during the same period last year. Among them were 404 rape survivors, including 238 children. The report further recorded 19 dowry-related deaths, 320 deaths linked to domestic violence, 211 injuries and 147 suicides associated with abuse. 

However, these numbers expose systemic failures in protecting the country’s most vulnerable citizens. And at the same time underscores the urgent need for political tolerance and democratic restraint.

Understandably, tackling mob violence requires far more than public condemnation after each tragedy. The government must ensure swift investigations, impartial prosecutions and meaningful punishment for every participant in mob attacks, going beyond political influence or social standing. 

We expect the police to respond rapidly to rumours and potential flashpoints, while local administrations strengthen respective community policing and intelligence gathering. At the same time, political leaders, religious figures, educators and civil society must quickly engage to collectively challenge the culture of vigilantism through sustained public awareness campaigns. Circulation of fake and disinformation through social media must be tackled without delay, and we advise all citizens to report suspected crimes to law enforcement agencies instead of taking law into their own hands.

In conclusion, every mob killing, every act of political violence and every assault on women weakens the nation’s democratic foundations. Unless decisive action is taken right from this moment, today’s alarming statistics may become tomorrow’s accepted reality�"an ominous development that should concern us all.

We are worried.