Mob justice arises from a complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors. It has recently become alarmingly widespread in Bangladesh following the end of the July Uprising, with incidents surging across the country. This raises a critical question: Why are people bypassing legal procedures and resorting to such measures?
According to Transparency International Bangladesh's (TIB) annual report for 2022-2023, the most corrupt sectors in Bangladesh include law enforcement (74.4%), passport services (70.5%), road transport (68.3%), judicial services (56.8%), and health services (48.7%). These statistics highlight the systemic corruption undermining crucial institutions. In such a context, can Bangladesh truly claim to be an organized society?
The erosion of trust in legal institutions, particularly law enforcement and the judiciary, is a major driver of mob justice. Law enforcement agencies, far from upholding the rule of law, are often seen as instruments of the ruling political party. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mainul Islam noted that, as of August 5, 44 police officers had been killed by mobs. Rather than being impartial enforcers of the law, police officers are frequently politicized and used to serve the interests of local politicians. Researchers Jackman and Maitrot (2022) describe this nexus in three stages:
- Empowering and politicizing security agencies at the national level
- Creating dependencies between local politicians and police officers
- Using these dependencies to suppress opposition under the guise of maintaining law and order
Similarly, the judiciary, often considered the last refuge for justice, suffers from political interference. The forced resignation of a chief justice for not aligning with government interests illustrates this issue. Appointments and promotions of judges are frequently influenced by political considerations, further eroding public confidence. Moreover, ambiguous laws allow law enforcement and courts to manipulate legal outcomes, often favouring political elites.
During the July Uprising, many traditional media outlets presented distorted perspectives aligned with government narratives, causing people to lose faith in these institutions. As a result, social media became the primary source of information. However, the unregulated nature of social media facilitates the rapid spread of rumours and misinformation, exacerbating mob violence. With a diminished trust in both legal and media institutions, frustration among the populace has reached critical levels.
When systemic failures persist, people often feel powerless to enact change through traditional means. This hopelessness can lead some to adopt revolutionary stances, which are sometimes exploited by politically motivated groups. Prothom Alo reported that in just seven months, 119 people were killed and 74 injured in 114 mob lynching incidents across Bangladesh. Such events underscore the dangerous consequences of a society that lacks faith in its institutions.
The law enforcement and judiciary systems were created to maintain law and order in society through providing justice. If the system fails to provide justice to the people, it becomes meaningless to society. Not only for the victim, but also for the offender.
Mob justice is a multifaceted issue rooted in social disorganization, political instability, and institutional corruption. Uprooting this crisis requires both immediate and long-term measures.
Short-term measures:
- Strengthen law enforcement: Authorities must take decisive action against those who circumvent the law, sending a clear message that mob justice will not be tolerated
- Enhance intelligence operations: Law enforcement agencies should actively monitor and mitigate potential risks of mob violence by countering misinformation and addressing local grievances
Long-term measures:
- Police and judiciary reforms: The police and judiciary must operate independently and transparently. Political interference in appointments and promotions must be eliminated to restore public confidence
- Media literacy campaigns: Both government and private sectors should educate citizens on identifying misinformation and understanding the role of credible media
- Community engagement: Law enforcement agencies should rebuild trust by engaging with communities and addressing their concerns impartially
Laws are essential for maintaining order, justice, and societal well-being. However, when these laws primarily serve the interests of elites and perpetuate systemic unfairness, alternative and often dangerous paths like mob justice emerge. To restore trust and order, Bangladesh must prioritize comprehensive reforms that uphold justice, ensure accountability, and engage citizens in the process of rebuilding faith in its institutions.
Pollov Chakraborty is an independent researcher in Criminology.
