A shocking incident of violence in Bangladesh, in which a businessman was brutally attacked and set on fire, has reignited serious concerns over law and order, mob brutality and the safety of civilians, particularly amid rising social and political instability in the country. According to reports, the victim was assaulted by a group of attackers in a public area before being doused with a flammable substance and set ablaze. The sheer brutality of the attack has stunned the public and drawn widespread condemnation, with rights groups describing it as a grim reminder of Bangladesh’s deepening culture of impunity.

The incident is part of a broader pattern of violent crimes that critics say reflect the failure of authorities to deter mob violence and protect citizens, regardless of their social or economic standing. Business communities have expressed growing fear, warning that such attacks not only threaten lives but also undermine economic confidence at a time when Bangladesh is already facing financial pressure and declining investor trust. Opposition figures and civil society activists accused the government of allowing a breakdown in governance, alleging that political patronage, weak policing and selective enforcement of the law have emboldened criminal elements. “When perpetrators believe they will not be punished, violence becomes normalised,” one rights activist said.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly flagged delays in investigations, lack of convictions and intimidation of witnesses in serious criminal cases. Critics argue that without swift arrests, transparent probes and firm judicial action, incidents like this will continue to recur. The attack has also raised questions about public safety in urban centres, where surveillance and policing are meant to be strongest. Analysts say the inability to prevent or quickly respond to such an extreme act points to systemic failures in policing and intelligence.

As public outrage grows, calls are mounting for an independent investigation, strict punishment for those responsible and comprehensive reforms to restore rule of law. For many Bangladeshis, the burning of a businessman is not just a crime—it is a stark symbol of a state struggling to protect its own citizens in an increasingly volatile environment.

This Image is taken from Outlook India.