Bangladesh's Turmoil: Mob Justice Takes Hold Post-Hasina's Ouster

The Unsettling Surge in Mob Violence

Following the dramatic political upheaval after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, Bangladesh has plunged into turmoil. According to Awaz The Voice, the nation has witnessed an astonishing rise in mob violence, with at least 637 lives claimed by brutal, extrajudicial killings. Among the victims are 41 police officers, a stark testament to the breakdown of state control and law order.

Understanding the Political Vacuum

Just a year ago, the rate of mob killings stood at a mere 51, highlighting a shocking 12-fold increase over the past year. The deposition of Sheikh Hasina triggered a political vacuum, destabilizing state institutions and eroding public faith in the rule of law. Citizens, left disillusioned and unprotected, have increasingly taken justice into their own hands.

The GCDG Report and Its Findings

The Canada-based Global Center for Democratic Governance’s (GCDG) report paints a grim picture. Titled “Broken Trust; Rising Rage,” the document exposes not only the alarming statistics but also the deep scars left on communities nationwide. The report recalls harrowing incidents: 24 burned alive at The Zubair Hotel in Jessore and 182 at Gaji Tyres in the Roopganj area, illustrating how public spaces have turned perilous.

The interim government, under Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has pledged a zero-tolerance approach towards vigilante actions. Yet, meaningful prosecution remains elusive, with convictions few and far between. Critics argue that political consolidation has overshadowed efforts to restore judicial order, further eroding trust in civil institutions.

Social Media: Catalyst or Culprit?

While social media has illuminated these injustices, it simultaneously stokes fear and incites violence through misinformation. Viral posts often spur quick, violent reprisals, as witnessed in Chittagong, where a falsehood led to deaths and destruction. The report cautions that unless governance reforms—including media regulation and civic education—are urgently implemented, mob justice will linger in Bangladesh’s political fabric.

A Nation at a Crossroads

With police forces stretched thin, courts immobilized, and local leaders targeted, citizens resort to chaotic, crowd-fueled justice. Allegations, often politically or sectarian-driven, result in deadly repercussions. Human rights groups reveal that a significant portion of victims belong to the former ruling Awami League or were minorities like Hindus or Ahmadiya Muslims, accused without evidence.

One tragic episode involving social worker Lal Chand Sehg, whose murder was live-streamed on social media, reverberates as a chilling reminder of the volatile environment. These accounts underscore the dire need for systemic reforms and the re-establishment of judicial accountability.

As Bangladesh stands on the brink, the pressing question remains: will it reclaim the rule of law, or will mob justice continue to cast a long shadow over its democratic horizon?