Recent incidents of mob violence—including the ransacking of a Gulshan house under the guise of a “search,” the midday beating of three people (including two Iranians) in Bhatara, and the killing of two alleged robbers in Satkania, Chattogram, after a mosque announcement—highlight a growing disorder in Bangladesh.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury addressed these events, admitting that controlling such unrest poses challenges beyond the capacity for law enforcement agencies.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Tourist Police Headquarters in Purana Paltan at 2:30pm on Thursday, March 6, he said, “Those involved in mob justice are being brought to justice. But when people become this unruly, problems arise that the army can’t always contain.”

Police rescued the Iranian victims in Bhatara, hospitalising them, while the Satkania deaths occurred on Monday.

Mob justice has persisted over the past six months, with attacks on foreigners and locals alike.

Asked about this trend, Chowdhury acknowledged, “It’s happening—I won’t deny it. Wherever it occurs, we act swiftly to enforce the law. Police face attacks too. Public awareness is key here. When disorder escalates, neither army nor police can fully control it.”

He urged the media to help curb such incidents, likening their role to that of parents guiding wayward children.

The adviser emphasised proactive measures: “Law enforcement is active, targeting mob offenders and working to prevent future incidents. Only they—not vigilantes—have the authority to conduct raids.”

On highway robberies, intensified by tree blockades ahead of Eid, he said, “We’re taking steps to stop this.” He identified Dhaka-Rajshahi and Tangail as robbery hotspots, adding, “I’ve directed agencies there to ramp up efforts—they’re more vigilant now.”

Extortion during Eid, he assured, is also under scrutiny.

Chowdhury highlighted Tourist Police challenges: “They lack stations, rent buildings, and face vehicle shortages, yet they’re performing well despite manpower gaps.