ASK: The number of deaths due to mob violence so far this year is 111

Staff Correspondent

The non-governmental human rights organization Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the beating to death of two Hindu men in Taraganj Upazila of Rangpur on suspicion of van theft.

The organization said that at least 111 people were killed in mob violence across the country from January 1 to August 10 of this year.

In a press release today, Monday, August 11, ASK said that incidents of lynchings are increasing at an alarming rate in the country, which is creating fear, uncertainty, and insecurity among ordinary citizens.

The organization also noted that the culture of impunity poses a major threat to social harmony and the rule of law.

The statement said that the incident in Taraganj is a clear violation of existing laws, the constitution and international human rights standards. Taking the law into one’s own hands and killing people undermines the rule of law and weakens the foundations of human rights.

Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution guarantee the right to life and legal protection of every citizen, which has been seriously violated in this incident. This incident is also a direct violation of the right to life and security under international human rights law.

ASK has called on the government and law enforcement agencies to quickly identify those involved in the Taraganj incident and bring them to justice, and to provide appropriate compensation and protection to the families of the victims.

In addition, groups or individuals involved in organized incitement activities must be held strictly accountable, rather than given immunity, so that such brutal incidents can be prevented in the future.