Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the killing of a man in Kushtia’s Daulatpur upazila, where he was “beaten and hacked to death” following allegations of “demeaning religion.”
In a press release, ASK said the incident, which took place on 11 April, also involved vandalism and arson at the victim’s – revered by his followers as a “Pir” or spiritual leader – shrine.
The organisation described the attack as a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.
According to media reports cited by ASK, tensions escalated locally after an old video circulated on social media, eventually leading to mob violence. The organisation also noted with concern that law enforcement agencies were “present at the scene but failed” to bring the situation under control.
ASK emphasised that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees every citizen’s right to life, liberty and security. It referred to Articles 31 and 32, which ensure equal protection under the law and prohibit deprivation of life or personal liberty without due process.
“In this context, any act of violence carried out by a mob outside the legal framework constitutes a direct violation of the Constitution and undermines the rule of law,” the statement added.
The organisation further warned that such incidents raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the country’s law enforcement system.
It also highlighted a pattern of attacks on Sufi shrines and religious establishments during the tenure of the previous interim government, allegedly carried out by organised mobs, which included vandalism, arson and killings.
It said the failure to prevent and address such incidents in the past has contributed to the risk of recurrence.
Reaffirming its stance, ASK stated that justice cannot be ensured in a democratic society without the rule of law and that mob violence must not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The organisation called on the authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the Kushtia incident, identify all those involved, both directly and indirectly, and ensure exemplary punishment.
It also urged the government to take legal action against individuals spreading provocative, misleading or hate-filled content on social media that could incite violence.
Additionally, ASK stressed the need to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies, ensure rapid response mechanisms, and enhance accountability to prevent future incidents of mob violence.
“Effective administrative measures are essential to ensure that no person or group can exploit religious sensitivities to take the law into their own hands,” the statement added.
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