Attack on History Being Waged Through Mobs: Sara Hossain

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Sara Hossain has stated that an attack on history is currently being carried out through the actions of mobs. In certain cases, statues of prominent figures, including the statue of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, have been vandalised.

She made these remarks during a recent interview with a media outlet.

Asked why incidents of mob terrorism are occurring nationwide, Hossain responded:“Recently, five people died in a violent incident surrounding a gathering in Gopalganj. Investigations are still ongoing, but there are significant questions about the process there.

Since 5 August, we have witnessed certain groups suddenly attacking other parties or individuals. People from different communities and individuals have been targeted due to political vendettas. Attacks have also occurred against indigenous peoples and minority communities, as well as against those expressing dissenting political views.”

Hossain added: “Groups have come and attacked, humiliated, and verbally abused many individuals under the pretext of accusing them of association with the Awami League government. These assaults are carried out publicly, yet the police remain largely inactive, and the courts have not reacted. In many instances, the state fails to intervene or stop incidents in time. This may be one reason why mobs are forming.”

Hossain highlighted the major mob incident at 32 Dhanmondi, which occurred last year, saying: “During that attack, social media played a significant role in incitement. Citizens of Bangladesh, though residing abroad, used YouTube and other platforms to provoke violence. A bulldozer appeared at the site that day. Questions remain: How did it get there? Why was it there? Who authorised it? Why was it not stopped?”

She emphasised the government’s accountability, stating: “In my opinion, there was a matter of governmental responsibility here. Why could they not stop or control it? Did they implicitly permit it? A horrifying mob was created that day.”

Hossain stressed the historical significance of the targeted property:

• The house at 32 Dhanmondi is historically important to Bangladesh. Its destruction represents an assault on national heritage.
• She noted that while opinions on history may vary, the use of mobs to attack historical symbols is unequivocally wrong.
• Beyond buildings, even statues of prominent figures, including Bangabandhu’s statue, have been damaged in certain incidents.

Observations on Social and Political Impact

Sara Hossain’s statements underline a growing concern: mobs are not only threatening individuals but also targeting the nation’s history and cultural symbols, raising questions about government accountability, law enforcement, and the protection of historical heritage.