Mob Violence Escalates in Dhaka as Elections Loom

In a troubling development, two young men were lynched within a span of three hours in Dhaka on Wednesday. This marks the latest incidents amid escalating lawlessness as Bangladesh prepares for national elections.

According to the Prothom Alo newspaper, both men were suspected of being involved in mugging. These incidents follow a similar attack two days prior in the same area of Mohammadpur. Rights organizations, including Ain O Salish Kendra, have reported a disturbing rise in mob lynchings, citing 124 deaths in the first eight months of 2025 alone.

Public alarm is growing, with 80% of the population expressing concern over increasing mob attacks. Meanwhile, a recent clash between Sufi followers and Islamists resulted in one death and over 100 injuries after the desecration of a grave, further inflaming tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)