‘Govt’s submissive stance enabling mob violence’

The University Teachers’ Network and Amrai Pari Paribarik Nirjaton Protirodh Jote (WE CAN) have expressed deep concern and strongly condemned a recent attack on a gathering in the capital’s Shahbagh, as well as the growing incidents of mob violence across the country.

In separate statements issued yesterday, the two organisations criticised law enforcement agencies for failing to ensure citizens’ safety and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.

According to the statements, a group of friends, who were having tea in Shahbagh, was suddenly attacked and indiscriminately beaten on April 10. At least eight people, including a private university teacher and several rights activists, were injured. The attackers allegedly targeted the victims by labelling them as “homosexual,” “transgender,” or “hijra.”

A citizen’s gender identity or sexual orientation can never justify violence, and gender-diverse individuals have equal rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Expressing outrage, the Teachers’ Network said the attack took place right in front of Shahbagh Police Station, yet police remained silent spectators.

The police station even refused to register a case or a general diary (GD) when the victims approached them, the network said.

The statement further highlighted incidents of mob violence outside Dhaka. On April 10, members of the Hindu community and their businesses were attacked and vandalised in Rangpur. A day later, a pir was beaten to death and his shrine set on fire in Kushtia’s Daulatpur over allegations of blasphemy.

The Teachers’ Network said despite the government’s promise to stop mob violence, it has demonstrated an extreme failure to do so.

It warned that the administration’s passive stance towards extremist groups is creating a terrifying situation in the country.

Meanwhile, the “WE CAN” alliance cited Article 28(3) of the Constitution, which guarantees equal rights and safe access to public spaces for all citizens.

It stressed that a citizen’s gender identity or sexual orientation can never justify violence, adding that gender-diverse individuals have equal rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Both organisations described the incidents as a serious blow to human rights and democratic values.

They called for swift arrests and exemplary punishment of those involved in the Shahbagh, Rangpur, and Kushtia attacks through transparent investigations.

They also warned that a democratic Bangladesh cannot be achieved without fostering tolerance and respect instead of fear and violence.

The statements were signed by prominent rights activists, including Sultana Kamal, Shaheen Anam, and teachers from various universities, including Anu Muhammad and Gitiara Nasreen.