PEN Bangladesh Condemns Brutal Mob Attack in Kushtia

PEN Bangladesh has expressed deep concern and grief over the incident in Kushtia where a man named Shamim Reza Jahangir was beaten to death. Regarding the incident that took place on Saturday (April 11), the organization clearly stated that in a democratic society, there is no place for extrajudicial violence such as mob violence or lynching. These statements were made in a press release issued on Monday (April 13).

Citing preliminary information, PEN Bangladesh stated that a group of people attacked Shamim Reza after allegations of blasphemy spread on social media. Such violence, carried out without verifying the truth of information circulating online, is contrary to the rule of law. The organization believes that the tendency to take the law into one’s own hands, fueled by misinformation and public incitement, is creating a culture of impunity in the country.

The statement said that PEN Bangladesh stands against any form of extrajudicial killing. Allegations of blasphemy or any other issue must be resolved through the country’s established legal processes. The right of every citizen to receive justice and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty is an integral part of the Constitution of Bangladesh and international human rights law.

The organization has observed with concern that unverified digital platforms are rapidly spreading religious incitement, leading to irreparable harm. It believes that institutional vigilance and increased civic responsibility are necessary to prevent this.

PEN Bangladesh has called on the relevant authorities to conduct a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice. At the same time, it has provided several specific recommendations to the government to take preventive measures to protect citizens from online incitement; to strengthen safeguards against the spread of unverified and provocative content in mass media and social media; and to enhance coordination between law enforcement agencies and civil society to promote tolerance and respect for the law.

In the statement, PEN Bangladesh expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased and solidarity with all victims of such violence. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to protecting freedom of expression, upholding the rule of law, and fostering a culture where disagreements are resolved not through violence but through constructive dialogue.