Published: 12:06 AM, 26 August 2026
Reckless Murders and Violence Horrify Ordinary Citizens Across Bangladesh
A deep sense of fear and insecurity is spreading across Bangladesh as reckless murders, mob attacks, political violence and allegations of politically motivated harassment continue to trouble ordinary citizens. For many people, the most disturbing aspect of the crisis is not simply the number of violent incidents, but the growing perception that the rule of law is being weakened and that individuals can be attacked, threatened or dragged into legal cases because of their political identity, social status or personal disputes.
The shocking murder of a Hindu family of four in Rangpur has added a new dimension to these concerns. The bodies of retired schoolteacher Ganapati Chakraborty, his wife Pritilata, daughter Agami and 12-year-old son Priyam were found inside their home. Police have detained two suspects, while investigators are examining the circumstances and possible motive. Reports said the victims' faces appeared to have been burned, adding to the brutality of the crime.
The Rangpur killings have understandably generated fear among minority communities and outrage among ordinary citizens. At the same time, it is important that investigators establish the motive through credible evidence rather than allowing rumours or communal speculation to determine public opinion. A transparent investigation, speedy prosecution and punishment based on evidence are essential to reassure citizens that no family is beyond the protection of the law.
The incident comes amid broader concerns about violence across the country. Human-rights monitoring organizations have reported increases in mob violence, political clashes and other abuses during 2026. The Daily Star, citing a Human Rights Support Society report, reported that violence against women and children, mob violence, political clashes and other rights violations increased during the first half of the year. Ain o Salish Kendra has likewise documented continuing political clashes, mob killings and deaths in custody.
Mob justice is particularly alarming because it replaces courts and due process with collective anger. Once a crowd decides that someone is guilty, an accusation can quickly become a death sentence. Recent commentary in Bangladesh has warned that people are increasingly being attacked simply because they are perceived to hold different political, ideological or personal views.
Political retaliation is another serious source of anxiety. Bangladesh's politics has long been marked by confrontation, but ordinary citizens should not become victims whenever political power changes hands. Supporters of one party should not be treated as legitimate targets merely because another party has come to power. Political affiliation must never become a justification for assault, intimidation, destruction of property or denial of employment and basic rights.
There are also growing allegations that common people have been subjected to systematic harassment on political grounds. After the political changeover of August 2024, the number of cases filed across the country increased sharply. The Dhaka Tribune reported that roughly 22,000 cases were filed nationwide between August 5, 2024 and the February 2026 national election. The Law Ministry had earlier recommended withdrawing 23,865 cases described as political harassment cases filed during the previous government.
False and exaggerated police cases are particularly damaging because the legal process itself can become a form of punishment. Being named in a criminal case can cause arrest, financial hardship, loss of employment, social humiliation and prolonged anxiety even when there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations. A Daily Star editorial noted concerns over false cases linked to the July uprising and called for credible cases to be separated from those filed for personal vendetta or financial gain.
The problem is not confined to any single political party. Whenever the legal system is used to punish political opponents or settle personal scores, public confidence in law enforcement suffers. A democratic state must distinguish between genuine criminal responsibility and political association. Police should investigate evidence, not ideology.
Ordinary citizens also need protection from arbitrary arrest and intimidation. A shopkeeper, teacher, student, journalist, farmer or small businessman should not have to fear that an argument, political opinion or association with a particular group could result in a fabricated criminal case. The right to disagree peacefully is fundamental to a functioning democracy.
The government therefore faces an urgent responsibility to restore confidence in the rule of law. Police must act professionally and independently, while prosecutors and courts must ensure that allegations are tested against evidence. Officers who deliberately register false cases or abuse their authority should face accountability. At the same time, anyone who commits murder, participates in mob violence or attacks innocent people must be prosecuted regardless of political affiliation or religious identity.
The protection of minorities deserves particular attention. The Rangpur family tragedy demonstrates how vulnerable citizens can feel when an entire community fears that violence may go unpunished. The government must ensure equal protection for Hindus and all other religious and ethnic minorities while making clear that crimes against them will receive impartial investigation and justice.
Bangladesh cannot build a stable society if people are afraid of mobs, criminals, political rivals or the police themselves. Law enforcement must become a shield for citizens rather than a source of fear. Political parties must reject revenge politics, and civil society must speak firmly against violence regardless of who the victims or perpetrators are.
The recent horrors should serve as a warning. Bangladesh needs neither mob rule nor politically weaponized policing. It needs accountable institutions, impartial investigations, fair trials and equal protection under the law. Only by restoring these principles can the country replace fear with confidence and ensure that every citizen-regardless of religion, political belief or social position-can live without fear of violence or arbitrary persecution.
Controversial roles by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) worsened the situation during last two years. Unscrupulous ACC employees issued letters to business owners, media entrepreneurs, journalists, academic scholars etcetera on totally unsubstantiated grounds only for extracting bribes allegedly.
>>BBC
