Dhaka, May 01 (V7N) — A total of 21 people were killed in 49 mob lynching incidents across Bangladesh in April, according to a monthly report released by the Mandhaka Sanskriti Foundation (MSF) on Thursday. The report highlights rising concerns over public safety and the weakening of law enforcement in the country.

The report shows that mob lynching incidents have remained consistently high in recent months. In March, 19 people were killed and 31 injured in 36 incidents. In February, 18 people were killed, in January 21 were killed, and in December last year 10 people were killed. MSF said this pattern reflects a deterioration in the rule of law and increasing public insecurity.

The report also cited a major incident in Kushtia on April 11, where Pir Abdur Rahman, also known as Shamim Al-Jahangir, was beaten and stabbed to death by a mob.

According to MSF, based on media reports, 30 victims of mob violence were handed over to police in injured condition during April. Among the 21 people killed, allegations included murder, theft, verbal disputes, robbery, insult, and land-related conflicts. Among the injured, cases included theft, robbery, murder, drug-related issues, harassment, political disputes, and fraud.

The report further noted a rise in violence against women and children. In April, 312 incidents were recorded, including 54 rape cases and 14 gang rapes. A total of 89 women and children were killed during the month, compared to 73 in March.

However, political violence showed a decline. Three people were killed and 303 were injured in April, compared to 14 deaths and 390 injuries in March. Custodial deaths also decreased, with six reported in April compared to 11 in the previous month.

MSF concluded that the rising mob violence and continued attacks on vulnerable groups indicate serious concerns about public safety and underline the urgent need for stronger law enforcement and justice mechanisms.

END/SMA/AJ