DU Teachers’ Statement on Mob Violence Mitigation and Prevention

DU Correspondent

Several teachers of Dhaka University have expressed deep concern over the increasing ‘mob violence’ across the country. In a joint statement, they said that the recent incidents of mass beatings and organized attacks in various parts of the country have taken a severe turn. This not only results in loss of lives and property but also severely tarnishes Bangladesh’s image internationally.

In the statement, the teachers said that women, children, ordinary citizens, and even historical and cultural sites are becoming targets of mob violence. The recurrence of such incidents is raising questions about the practice of justice in society and creating a state of anarchy in the country.

They stated that if the public takes the law into their own hands instead of upholding the rule of law, it cannot be a sign of a democratic and stable governance system. This trend is fostering a dangerous mob culture, which poses a long-term threat to the state and society.

The statement expressed concern over the fact that the assurances of ‘strict action’ by law enforcement agencies have not been fully realized. Additionally, the teachers condemned the portrayal of mobs as ‘pressure groups’ by certain quarters, which they believe is emboldening the perpetrators of mob violence.

The DU teachers further said that if there are allegations against anyone, they should be resolved through established legal procedures. They called upon the state and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens and take strict and effective measures against mob violence.

Over 70 teachers signed the statement. They said that these extreme violations of human rights are shrinking the space for free thought, which they cannot accept.

The teachers hope that this statement from Dhaka University’s faculty will draw the attention of the concerned authorities of the state.

Below is the full list of Dhaka University teachers who signed the joint statement on mitigating and preventing mob violence:

Professor Dr. Rafiqul Islam (Rafiq Shahriar), Professor Dr. Tauhida Rashid, Professor Dr. Jamila A. Chowdhury, Professor Shabnam Azim, Professor Dr. Abu Sara Shamsur Rouf, Professor Dr. Samir Kumar Sheel, Professor Dr. Firoz Ahmed, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Muhit, Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, Professor Dr. Moyna Talukdar, Professor Dr. Aksadul Alam, Professor Dr. Sanchita Guha, Professor Dr. Suraiya Akter, Professor Dr. Javed Iqbal Bangali, Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Professor Dr. Z. M. Parvez Sazzad, Professor Dr. Abdullah Al Mahmud, Professor Dr. Billal Hossain, Professor Dr. Sitesh Chandra Bachar, Professor Dr. Mohammad Azmal Hossain Bhuiyan, Professor Dr. Humayun Kabir, Professor Dr. Mamun Al Mostafa, Professor Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, Professor Dr. Subrata Saha,

Dr. Nilima Akter, Professor Dr. Liton Kumar Saha, Professor Abu Hossain Muhammad Ahsan, Professor Dr. G. M. Golzar Hossain, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Rahim, Professor Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Professor Dr. Rafiul Islam, Professor Dr. Md. Akram Hossain, Professor Dr. A. T. M. Samshuzzoha, Professor Dr. Rezaul Karim, Professor Dr. Md. Asaduzzaman, Professor Dr. K. M. Salah Uddin, Professor Dr. Mushfiq Mannan Chowdhury, Professor Dr. A. K. M. Khademul Haq,

Dr. Kaiser Ahmed Rocky, Dr. Naima Nigar, Shamshad Noorin, Dr. M. L. Palash, Dr. Muhammad Mainuddin Molla, Md. Rakibul Hasan, Dr. Israt Jahan, Dr. Md. Hasan Farooq, Dr. Md. Nasir Uddin, Dr. Mohammad Maniruzzaman Khan, Dr. Mohammad Bahauddin, Md. Kamrul Hasan, Dr. Siddhartha De, Mahmudur Rahman, Dr. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Khan, Dr. Md. Raihan Sarkar, Touhid Hossain, Dr. Mohammad Yusuf, Dr. Abdullah Al Maruf, Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam, Md. Ibrahim Mia, Dr. Arshadul Hasan, Dr. Md. Belal Hossain, Dr. Abdul Kader Mohiuddin, Dr. Mir Shariful Islam, Ahmad Hasan Chowdhury, Dr. Mohaiminul Adib, Md. Imran Hossain, Mohammad Sohel Rana, Md. Naimul Islam, Dr. Md. Matiar Rahman, Mahmudul Hasan, and Professor Dr. A. K. M. Mahbub Hasan.

A total of 71 teachers signed this list.