The most recent incidents are mainly related to suspicions of theft or political affiliations. There have been several clashes within universities. The main causes are political instability and distrust in the judicial system.
Dhaka () – For two months now, a series of episodes of mob violence have occurred in Bangladesh, resulting in the deaths of at least 35 people. The killings occurred in the context of summary justice, generally based on accusations of theft or controversial political affiliations. A wave of lynchings fueled by political instability following the flight of former Prime Minister Sheik Hasina and the lack of confidence in the judicial system.
One of the most brutal cases was the murder of Tofazzal Hossain, who was attacked by students at Dhaka University last Wednesday. Hossain was apparently mentally ill, was accused of theft and held in the Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall, where he was assaulted for more than two hours. There was a pause afterwards and the students took a photograph of Hossain eating rice in the canteen, but the attack resumed shortly after. He was taken to hospital late in the night and doctors declared him dead. His family later claimed that the attackers had demanded a ransom of 35,000 taka (about $320) to release him. Five students were arrested and university authorities condemned the incident as “inhuman and unacceptable.”
The death of Mo Shamim, a former student of Jahangirnagar University (JAB), was also reported on the same day. Shamim was also beaten to death by a group of students who suspected him of involvement in criminal activities. Despite some attempts at mediation, Shamim was taken to the University security office but died before receiving help. The police intervened too late and eight students were temporarily expelled following the incident. On 7 September, Abdullah Al Masood, a former leader of the Rajshahi University Chhatra League, the student organisation close to the previous government, was also killed in a violent attack.
These killings are part of a growing wave of violence that appears to be out of the control of the authorities. The deterioration of political conditions, especially after the fall of the government of Sheikh Hasina (who resigned after weeks of student protests), has exacerbated the climate of insecurity and, above all, of distrust towards the security forces.
The phenomenon of summary justice has grown at an alarming rate. Human rights activists denounce police inefficiency and inadequate investigations as the main causes of this situation, which has created a cycle of violence that is difficult to break. Specialists point to a culture of violence that is spreading especially in universities.
Another incident occurred in Khagrachari, where the theft of a motorcycle sparked clashes between Bengali and Pahari (indigenous) groups. The Bengalis had organised a protest march, but some Paharis tried to disrupt it. The death of Mamun, a 30-year-old Bengali, sparked tensions in a series of clashes that left 102 shops destroyed (78 belonging to the Pahari community and 24 Bengali-owned) and four people dead in the neighbouring Rangamati district. At least 80 people were injured. To restore order, the authorities invoked Article 144, which prohibits public gatherings.
Supreme Court Christian lawyer Probhat Tudu commented to :”The recent violence, especially in universities, is tragic and deplorable. If someone commits a crime, he should be handed over to the police. This culture of summary justice must be stopped.” Tudu suggested that the causes should also be sought in the failure of the judicial system: “If the state guaranteed justice, people would not need to resort to violence.”
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