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Country News
Mob Justice: Law Enforcement in Bangladesh as a Silent Spectator to Injustice and Jungle Law
- Details
By Delwar Jahid
Mob justice, or vigilantism, refers to instances where groups of people take the law into their own hands to punish those accused of crimes, bypassing legal procedures and due process. In Bangladesh, this practice has become increasingly concerning, particularly since the student-led protests in August 2024. These protests have drawn widespread attention to issues of security, governance, and public accountability.
This phenomenon is not new. In August 2018, a movement led by students, triggered by the death of two students in a road accident in Dhaka, saw thousands take to the streets to demand safer roads and better enforcement of traffic laws. While these protests were largely peaceful, they highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the rule of law in Bangladesh and revealed deep frustrations over corruption and a perceived lack of accountability among those in power.
Following these protests, there was a notable increase in reported incidents of mob justice across the country. Many citizens, disillusioned with the legal system, began to take matters into their own hands, believing that justice would not be served through official channels.
The Perceived Effectiveness of Mob Justice
Proponents of mob justice argue that it acts as a deterrent to crime, particularly in communities where law enforcement is seen as weak or corrupt. When there is a lack of trust in the police or the justice system, people may feel compelled to take justice into their own hands, believing this instant form of punishment to be more effective than the slow and often inefficient legal system.
The Negative Consequences of Mob Justice
However, the consequences of mob justice are overwhelmingly negative. It often leads to unjust punishment and retaliatory violence, sometimes resulting in the death of innocent people. Decisions are made in the heat of the moment, without proper investigation or evidence, denying the accused the opportunity to defend themselves and leading to miscarriages of justice.
Mob justice perpetuates a cycle of violence and fosters an environment of fear and insecurity. It undermines the rule of law, weakens institutions meant to uphold justice, and often exacerbates conflict, leading to greater social unrest.
A Case in Point: The Death of Abdullah Al Masood
A recent example illustrates the dangers of mob justice. Two days after the death of Abdullah Al Masood, a former leader of the Rajshahi University Chhatra League, no case had been filed regarding the attack that led to his death. On September 7, Masood, aged 31, was attacked near Rajshahi University and handed over to the police with serious injuries. He died later in the hospital. Despite a video showing Masood speaking after the attack, no witnesses have come forward, and the police have yet to receive a formal complaint from his family. Masood's family expressed concerns about legal action due to fears of reprisal. The Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University stated that the university was considering filing a case on the family's behalf. Masood, who became a father just days before his death, had previously been attacked in 2014, losing a leg and suffering serious injuries. His family remains in shock and fears they may never see justice. (Source: Prothom Alo, September 9, 2024)
The Need for Police Reform
In response to the growing concerns over mob justice and law enforcement's ineffectiveness, the Home Affairs Advisor recently informed the UNDP resident representative that a committee would soon be formed to outline the approach, process, and leadership for police reform. UNDP representative Stephen Lilal emphasized the importance of these reforms to build public confidence, reduce criticism of the police, and offered technical and financial support for the process. (Source: Daily Our Time, September 9, 2024)
Despite these promises of reform, the interim government has failed to protect minority communities, opposition party members, and even law enforcement officials themselves. Under the watchful eyes of law enforcement agencies, police stations have been looted, police officers killed, and government assets plundered, all while acts of vandalism have been disguised under the garb of military action.
Conclusion
While mob justice may seem like a quick solution to perceived crimes, history shows that it is ultimately ineffective and dangerous. It undermines the rule of law, perpetuates violence, and often leads to the wrongful punishment of innocent individuals. To effectively combat crime, Bangladesh must strengthen its legal and judicial institutions, improve law enforcement, and address the root causes of public distrust in the justice system. Only by doing so can the country build a more just and equitable society where all citizens feel secure and confident in the rule of law.
Author: Delwar Jahid, President of the Bangladesh North American Journalists Network, researcher, and analyst on human rights and law.
Bengali New Year Celebrated with Dignity at Alberta Parliament
- Details
Edmonton, Alberta, April 16, 2024: The Alberta Parliament in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, was not just a venue but a beacon of cultural exchange this afternoon. It resonated with the solemn celebration of the Bengali New Year, marking a significant moment in the cultural calendar.
MLA Jackie Lovely, in a gesture of inclusivity and warmth, extended a heartfelt welcome to leaders of the Bangladesh community at the Legislative Building, setting the tone for a brief but significant meeting between Bengali-speaking community leaders and the Honorable Speaker of Parliament, Nathan Koper.
In his address to the esteemed guests, Speaker Nathan Koper conveyed heartfelt wishes for a joyous Bengali New Year and expressed his anticipation of visiting Bangladesh soon. He emphasized strengthening the bilateral relationship between the Alberta government and Bangladesh.
The essence of the Bengali New Year, with its vibrant festivities such as village fairs, traders' halkhata, Mangal Shobhayatra, Nagordola, and Ramna Botmule Chayanot Asar, where men and women don colorful attire, encapsulates not only the spirit of celebration and tradition but also aspects of individuality, universality, secularism, and humanity. The recognition of these traditional elements of the Bengali New Year finds resonance even in the distant halls of the Alberta Legislature in Canada.
The session commenced with Speaker Nathan Koper introducing various organizations, including the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta, Bangladesh Canada Association of Edmonton, Edmonton Bengali Association, and Alberta Bengali Society, all of which have been instrumental in preserving and promoting Bengali traditional life, culture, and art. Notable guests included Bir Muktijoddha Delwar Jahid, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta, Executive Director of Step to Humanity Association, and President of Bangladesh North American Journalist Network, along with other esteemed leaders such as Din Islam, Janmejoy Das Chowdhury, Bikash Talukder, and Rozina Meena.
During the afternoon session, MLA Jackie Lovely presented a statement on Pahela Boishakh. Additionally, veteran libertarian Delwar Jahid held a separate meeting with government caucus MLA Jason Stephan, further fostering dialogue and understanding. Babu Indra Chowdhury, the United Conservative Caucus Community Outreach Coordinator, infused the event with energy and vibrancy, ensuring a lively atmosphere.
Investing in STEM at the University of Calgary
- Details
Budget 2024 will invest $55 million toward a new Multidisciplinary Science Hub at the University of Calgary.
Mar 08, 2024
Alberta’s post-secondary institutions offer world-class education, and this investment will help more students access the University of Calgary's science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) facilities and training. As the economy continues growing and diversifying, demand from job creators and Alberta’s labour market for the skills and expertise of STEM graduates is projected to increase.
The new hub will become the primary home for research and collaboration in the faculty of science at the University of Calgary and help address the gap in STEM talent shortages in Alberta. Once built, the hub will add at least 2,000 seats to science-related programs to help deliver essential workplace skills for students.
“This significant investment in the Multidisciplinary Science Hub will bring more students to the University of Calgary to develop skills in science, technology, engineering and math, which are needed in our fast-growing economy. I look forward to seeing how this exciting new facility will bring research, collaboration with industry and innovative ideas together under one roof to build skills for the jobs of tomorrow.”
“Alberta’s workforce requires more graduates from STEM programs to meet the growing demands of job creators. Investing in the University of Calgary’s Multidisciplinary Science Hub will support the long-term needs of our economy while creating opportunities for students.”
The Multidisciplinary Science Hub will support STEM students in vital areas such as agriculture innovation, computer science, energy, quantum, biotechnology and aerospace. It is expected to be complete in 2029. The University of Calgary estimates that the full science district project will create a short-term economic stimulus of approximately $639 million, as well as 1,980 total person years of construction-related employment.
“We’re pleased the government has recognized the importance of this transformative new teaching and research hub. The Multidisciplinary Science Hub will help us meet demand from science students and researchers who will have the space and resources to make the discoveries and innovations that push the envelope of what’s possible.”
“From our powerhouse energy industry to our booming tech sector, science is deeply entwined with Alberta's success – past, present and future. This new facility reflects Alberta's commitment to maintaining our great province’s science advantage for decades to come.”
Alberta generates even more jobs in February: Minister Jones
- Details
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones issued the following statement on the February 2024 Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada:
Mar 08, 2024
“Alberta’s labour market continues to show strength, with more Albertans employed in February than at the same time last year. Employment rose to 2.5 million, up 17,400 month-over-month, which is a 4.1 per cent increase year-over-year. Full-time jobs also jumped to 2,070,699.
“While Alberta only accounts for 11.7 per cent of Canada’s population, our province leads the nation in net employment growth, with 42.8 per cent of the country’s employment gains. With a highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies, diversified economy and affordable, exceptional lifestyle, Alberta continues to be the economic engine of Canada. Our province leads the nation in net employment growth and last week, the Canadian Survey on Business Confidence showed optimism among Alberta businesses was up considerably over the last 12 months, out-pacing the rest of the country.
“We are keeping this momentum going with Budget 2024, which maintains Alberta’s competitive advantage so businesses and industry can continue to innovate, thrive and create jobs. It also ensures Alberta’s economy can remain vibrant and resilient for years to come.
“Alberta continues to lead by example when it comes to jobs and the economy. Strategic investments, even greater diversification and a responsible budget means our province will remain a leader in Canada for investment and job growth.”
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- Agro-Ocean
- Bangabandhu Development and Research Institute
- Bangladesh North American Journalists Network
- Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA)
- Coastal 19
- Delwar Jahid's Biography
- Diverse Edmonton
- Doinik Ekattorer Chetona
- Dr. Anwar Zahid
- Edmonton Oaths
- Motherlanguage Day in Canada
- Samajkantha News
- Step to Humanity Bangladesh
