The BNP has taken a tough stance against mob violence and disorder caused by unruly individuals.
The party has reaffirmed its firm position against mob attacks and violent politics following the recent harassment of former chief election commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda.
In response to the incident, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman delivered a strong message condemning such acts. Other senior party leaders also denounced the incident and pledged strict organisational measures to prevent such occurrences.
The BNP views the incidents of mob violence since 5 August last year not only as violations of human rights but also as threats to social order and the rule of law. Maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against mob violence, the party has made it clear that if any of its leaders or activists are found to be involved in such acts, strict action will be taken against them.
On 22 June, former CEC Nurul Huda was dragged out of his own home in Uttara, Dhaka, and harassed. At one point, a garland of shoes was placed around his neck, and he was struck in the face with a shoe. Even eggs were also thrown at him. There are allegations that activists from the BNP’s associate body, Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal, were involved in the incident. However, the party has refused to take responsibility for such actions.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “There is no scope to pin a single isolated incident on the BNP. We have condemned every act of mob violence that occurred after the mass uprising. We do not support such actions. If any party member is found to be involved, organisational measures will be taken.”
In a statement issued Wednesday on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Tarique Rahman said, “The violent frenzy known as mob justice has become an enemy of humanity. It threatens the environment necessary for building a democratic culture. Though we may be free from fascism, the process of building democratic institutions and practising true democracy has yet to begin.”
According to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), at least 131 people were killed and more than 150 injured in mob violence over the past nine months in the country.
Among these incidents was the destruction of the residence of former president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhanmondi. In September last year, a 32-year-old man named Tofazzal Hossain was beaten to death in a guest room of Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall at Dhaka University, sparking widespread criticism. The police later arrested six individuals in connection with the killing.
On 29 April this year, actor Siddiqur Rahman was assaulted and he was handed over to the police by a mob. Earlier, on 4 March, two Iranian nationals were beaten up by a group of people in the Bashundhara Residential Area of the capital on suspicion of being muggers. Other incidents include forcing headteachers or principals of educational institutions to resign, mob harassment at private homes with belongings being taken away, disruptions of cultural events and girls' football matches, and harassment under the pretext of religious defamation.
In most of these incidents, there have been no major allegations linking the BNP. However, there have been some isolated allegations against a few grassroots-level party leaders and activists. Notably, since 5 August, the BNP acting chairman has taken a tough stance against any form of wrongdoing. Based on evidence from various allegations, the party and its associated bodies have taken disciplinary action, including expelling several thousand leaders and activists.
Strong Message from BNP
Recently, the firm stance taken by BNP’s senior leadership against mob violence is considered by policymakers as a clear message to the party’s leaders, activists, and supporters. The party leaders said that since 5 August, with the support of various groups across the country, opposition activists have faced harassment, and incidents of vandalism and arson have occurred at multiple locations. The BNP condemned these acts at that time, and now they have reiterated their position once again.
Analysts believe that, from a political and strategic perspective, the BNP is currently in a very important position. At a time when the international community and the general public focus on opposing violence, the party has sent a new message to its leaders, activists, and the public by emphasising its stance against mob violence to enhance its image. It has instructed its units to maintain law and order before and after their programmes. Those who intentionally participate in violence will face organisational action, which may even include expulsion.
BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said, “Mob violence is unacceptable in any civilised society. Crimes should be judged in court, not on the streets. Ensuring the safety of the people is the responsibility of the state and society. The BNP has taken a strong stance against this evil force. However, the question remains how much the government is fulfilling its responsibility in this regard.”
He added, “Mob violence existed even after independence. The government at that time did not address it, which led to chaos in the country. The current interim government is also unable to take effective measures to control mob violence.”
At a programme in Dhaka on 25 June, BNP chairperson's advisory council member Zainul Abdin Farroque said, “Who started the mob culture? During Ishraque’s campaign, the ‘mob queen’ Sheikh Hasina created mobs to attack and kill Begum Khaleda Zia. She is the mastermind behind the mobs.”
He also said, “In the incident involving former CEC Nurul Huda, an activist of the Swechchhasebak Dal has been arrested. Why has not DC Harun been arrested? Why are not those who have committed injustice and oppression for 16 years being arrested?”
Strict Stance by Army
The army is also taking a tough stance against mob violence. On 21 May, at an officers’ address held at the Dhaka Cantonment, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman delivered a strong message against mob violence.
He said the army is adopting an even stricter position regarding law and order, and disorder or violence in the name of groups of people will no longer be tolerated.
In March, during an attack, vandalism, and looting at a business entity near Russell Square in the capital, the army and police arrested 14 individuals, including Salahuddin Salman, Kalabagan unit coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and handed them over to Kalabagan police station.
In April, during a protest march against Israel’s brutal genocide of Palestinians, attacks and looting took place at several establishments, including KFC and Bata, which claim to be Israeli institutions. The army was seen taking swift action against the attackers at that time.
On 22 June, when mob violence occurred against former CEC Nurul Huda, the army launched a rapid operation to arrest the perpetrators. On 23 June, a suspect named Hanif was arrested and handed over to the police. According to the ISPR, to maintain peace and order in the country, operations will continue to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Government Responds with Statements Only
Since the fall of the Awami League government, incidents of organised disorder and taking the law into one’s own hands have increased. After such incidents, the government has been seen issuing statements.
It also issued a statement following the incident related to the ex-CEC Nurul Huda. In a statement released late Sunday night, the government described “attacking the accused and physically humiliating him” as illegal, contrary to the rule of law, and a criminal offence.
The statement further said, “Law enforcement agencies will identify those who create mobs and cause disorderly situations and take appropriate action.” However, various quarters say that the government’s efforts to curb mob violence over the past 10 months have not been very noticeable.
Nevertheless, the government has repeatedly pledged to stop mob violence. On 11 September last year, in a speech to the nation, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said, “No one should take the law into their own hands. If anyone takes the law into their own hands and creates a disorderly environment in society, we will definitely bring them to justice.”
According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations, “mob justice” constitutes a serious violation of human rights. The declaration states that every accused has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. It also affirms that the accused must be allowed to defend themselves during trial.
However, the government has faced criticism for failing to ensure the protection of the rights of the accused. In many cases, groups of people have been seen harassing suspects before handing them over to the police. Despite such incidents, the government has not taken a firm stance to curb these offences.
Legal experts said that, according to the constitution, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and other relevant laws, acts such as harassment in the name of arrest, placing a shoe garland on someone, or physically and mentally abusing a person are criminal offences.
Tawohidul Haque, associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at Dhaka University, believes that necessary measures to stop mob violence are not being implemented.
He said, “The government and law enforcement agencies are issuing various orders and directives regarding mobs. But due to a lack of enforcement, those involved in mob violence are not being brought under control.”
Bd-pratidin English/TR
