Bangladesh faces rising mob violence and lawlessness

Bangladesh is experiencing a surge in mob violence and lawlessness following the July 2024 political uprising. Reports indicate a growing trend of citizens taking the law into their own hands, raising concerns regarding the effectiveness of police forces and the prevalence of unchecked impunity.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) documented the rise of mobs used to press demands during the interim government period. This trend has reportedly continued under the BNP-led government following the February 2026 parliamentary elections. Human rights organization Ain 'o Salish Kendra (ASK) documented that at least 154 people were beaten to death in mob violence across the country between January and August 2026.

The situation has also impacted media professionals. Journalist Rifat Alam Risan reported being attacked by a crowd at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in December 2025 while attempting to cover the shooting of radical Islamist leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.