A video circulating on Facebook shows a group of youths assaulting a middle-aged man in Brahmankanda village under Bhanga upazila of Faridpur, in an incident that has sparked widespread attention and debate over vigilante justice.
The footage shows the man being surrounded and beaten with bamboo sticks, leaving him semi-conscious. He is later struck with bricks on his knees, back and head. A woman who attempts to intervene is threatened and pushed away.
The video also shows the man being held by his ears and forced to promise that he will not be involved in drug-related activities. In another part of the footage, a second individual is seen being beaten and having his clothes torn after being allegedly caught with marijuana.
Locals claim that the individuals targeted in the incident were involved in drug dealing and consumption in the area.
Following the circulation of the video, another social media post by a local resident, Aryan Nahid, emerged warning that no drug dealers or addicts would be tolerated in Brahmankanda.
Faridpur-4 MP Shahidul Islam Babul told TIMES of Bangladesh that while drug abuse must be addressed at the community level, it does not justify assault or destruction of property. He denied giving any instruction or support for such actions.
He acknowledged the incident as mob justice and said that despite serious concerns over drug-related activity in the area, any response must remain within the legal framework.
Local residents defended the action, saying drug-related crime has increased in the area. Aryan claimed that a known drug dealer had recently been released from jail and resumed illegal activities, which prompted community intervention. He also alleged that police released the suspect too quickly, fuelling public anger.
Former Union Parishad member Alamgir Khan echoed similar concerns, saying residents were forced to act due to a lack of effective enforcement, though he denied direct involvement in the incident.
Bhanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Ziarul Islam said the area does not fall under his jurisdiction and claimed he was unaware of the incident. Meanwhile, individuals who circulated the video online alleged that local police supported the vigilante action.
No official investigation has yet confirmed the identity or involvement of those seen in the video in drug trafficking activities.
Human rights experts have warned that the increasing acceptance of such incidents reflects a dangerous rise in mob justice.
Ijazul Islam, executive director of the Human Rights Support Society, said declining public trust in the justice system is driving the trend. He said perceptions of impunity and lack of accountability for mob violence are further encouraging such actions.
He added that in some cases, allegations involving law enforcement or politically influential figures also contribute to administrative inaction.
