“Mob violence is taking dire shape due to government apathy

Since independence of Bangladesh, every government has introduced authoritarian rule instead of rule of law. Because of which some governments have turned from authoritarian to dictatorial governments instead of being governments of the people. Sheikh Hasina, the head of the fascist Awami League government, established a culture of fear by misapplying the law with disappearances, murders and false cases during her 16-year rule. In July-August last year, the quota reform movement turned into an anti-discrimination movement. After the death of Abu Saeed, Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country on August 5 last year due to the mass uprising of students, workers and farmers in the face of intense agitation for the downfall of the government. The Advisory Council of the Interim Government was formed on August 8 under the leadership of Prof. Yunus with the support of the army, with NGO, civil society and student representatives taking oath. Professor Muhammad Yunus became the head of the advisory council.
Interim government was established in return for the blood sacrifice of 1400 people. The nation expected a national government composed of professionals, lawyers, intellectuals, journalists, teachers and politicians. Since the interim government assumed power due to the failure to form a national government, mob violence has occurred in all areas including the society, villages, cities, schools, colleges, universities and judges’ offices. The government should have given utmost importance to law and order and market regulation. Both business and financial advisors are very important in successfully controlling the market and financial system. In that case, both the Home and Legal Advisers have failed to control law and order.

The rule of law is the bedrock of a state. The rate at which mob violence is increasing in the country in recent times is shaking that foundation. There have been incidents of mob violence, including planned attacks on offices of Prothom Alo, Daily Star, Chaynat, Udichi artists’ group, harassment of New Age editor Nurul Kabir, hanging and burning of a traditional religious person in front of Shatalok in Bhaluka and murder of a child by locking the house of a BNP leader outside at night in Lakshipur.It has been widely criticized nationally and internationally. Due to the apathy of the government, this mob violence is taking a terrible form, which is bad for the nation. The government has to crack down on this mob violence. Worryingly, this violence is not limited to isolated incidents; Rather it is gradually becoming a social disorder. And the indifference and weak position of the government is largely responsible for this situation. Mob violence mainly comes to a head when people begin to believe that the state is failing to provide them with justice. Without an impartial and effective role of law enforcement, common people are encouraged to judge themselves. But in a civilized state “judgment by one’s own hands” can never be acceptable. It not only robs an individual of their rights, but also destabilizes the entire society. It is a sad but true fact that in many cases the government is failing to take visible and exemplary action against those responsible after incidents of mob violence. Sometimes political influence, sometimes administrative negligence, sometimes deliberate silence – all criminals are getting away time and again. As a result, a dangerous message is spreading: mob violence can get away with impunity. Another big problem is rumors and misinformation. Fake news spreading on social media makes people excited in no time. But the government’s initiative to control these rumors is very limited. In the absence of verification of information and prompt government clarification, the situation has become more dire. The government’s responsibility is not limited to law enforcement; It is more important to restore confidence in the law among the people. This requires transparent investigations, speedy trials and ensuring punishment of criminals irrespective of political identity. At the same time people need to be made aware through educational institutions and mass media—mob violence is not a solution, rather it creates more injustice.
If mob violence is not strictly curbed now, its consequences will be more dire in the future. In a state where mob becomes a substitute for law, there is no such thing as citizen security. So now is the time—the government needs to shake off apathy and take a firm stand. Otherwise history will not forgive anyone for this silence.

Author: MA Alim Sarkar:Essayist and Politician, President,Bangladesh Ganamukti Party (BGP)