State Officials Consider Mob Violence a Pillar of Power: Iftikharuzzaman

Iftikharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), has warned that a form of “mobocracy” has taken root within the structures of the state. He stated, “Those entrusted with the responsibilities of the state increasingly regard the forces behind mob violence as a crucial pillar of their own power.”

He made these remarks during a joint protest meeting organised by the Newspapers Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council, in response to attacks, vandalism, looting, and arson targeting the offices of Prothom Alo and Daily Star, as well as the harassment of New Age editor Nurul Kabir. The meeting, titled “Bangladesh under Mob Violence”, was chaired by Dewan Hanif Mahmud, editor of Dainik Bonik Barta and General Secretary of the Editors’ Council, on Monday.

Iftikharuzzaman emphasised that while citizens share responsibility in resisting such violence, the primary duty rests with the government. “The government must answer the fundamental question: what is it doing to ensure the safety and security of its people?” he said.

The protest drew representatives from political parties, professional associations, business organisations, journalist bodies, and civil society. Participants expressed profound concern and anger over the attacks, which they condemned as assaults not just on individual media outlets but on democracy, freedom of expression, and citizens’ rights.

Speakers highlighted that attacks on leading media offices constitute a direct assault on democratic values, free speech, and the nation’s educational and cultural institutions. Many questioned why the government has failed to act decisively against those creating chaos under the guise of “mob action,” describing the official response as “alarmingly inadequate.”

The protest concluded with a human chain outside the hotel venue, accompanied by calls for a unified movement to protect independent media and democratic principles. NOAB President and Samakal publisher A K Azad urged sustained collective action, declaring that the campaign would continue until all attacks—including those on Daily Star, Prothom Alo, Chayannat, and Udichi—receive justice. He also announced plans for a major national convention in mid-January to reinforce these efforts.