Public concern is mounting following a disturbing incident in which former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) K. M. Nurul Huda was physically harassed by an unruly mob in the presence of law enforcement personnel. The incident, which occurred in Uttara, Dhaka, on 22 June, triggered widespread condemnation after videos circulated on social media.
The footage shows a group forcibly placing a shoe garland around the former CEC’s neck, assaulting him, and later handing him over to police. The act sparked outrage from across political and civil society spectrums, including human rights groups, social activists and politicians.
That same night, the interim government issued a statement condemning the incident and confirming that all involved in creating such mob unrest would be identified and dealt with by law enforcement.
Speaking the following morning at an event in Gazipur, Home Affairs Adviser said: “Mob justice is unacceptable. Police conduct during the incident will be investigated.”
Senior journalist based in Canada, Shawgat Ali Sagor, questioned the incident in a Facebook post: “If there is a specific allegation against K. M. Nurul Huda, it should be addressed through legal channels. But why this savagery under the guise of mob justice?”
In a statement, human rights watchdog Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) condemned the assault, describing Huda not only as a citizen but a decorated freedom fighter. They stated: “This is not just an attack on an individual, but an insult to the dignity of the state and the rule of law.”
The statement further cited that at least 83 people have been killed in mob incidents between January and June 2025—an alarming sign of lawlessness in a supposedly civilised state.
Some reports claim the attackers may be linked to a BNP affiliate organisation. Responding to this, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed stated: “BNP is against mob culture. We are committed to establishing the rule of law and do not endorse the shameful treatment of the former CEC. If any party member is found involved, we will take action.”
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi demanded punishment for those who behaved improperly with Huda at the time of arrest and during court proceedings.
Speaking to the media from the party’s Nayapaltan office, Rizvi said: “Those engaging in mob justice in the name of accountability must be identified and brought under the law.”
Meanwhile, Kazi Mamunur Rashid, Secretary General of the Jatiya Party (Raushan Ershad faction), stated: “The Chief Election Commissioner holds a constitutional office. While legal action can be taken by the administration, it is unacceptable that unruly political activists physically assaulted him in the presence of police. This only reflects that the country’s law and order situation is slipping beyond the government and administration’s control.”
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
