The violence in Hathazari that left over 100 injured was not just tragic; it was preventable.
Authorities failed to act on clear warning signs surrounding the Jashn-e-Julus procession and rising tensions near the madrasa. When a Facebook post sparked outrage, there was no plan in place to de-escalate or protect civilians. That failure demands accountability.
Now, authorities must act quickly to identify and prosecute the ringleaders behind the violence. Serious legal consequences are needed to send a clear message: mob violence is unacceptable. This was not a spontaneous outburst; it was organized and deliberate.
Bangladesh must uphold the rule of law and ensure this kind of unrest is never allowed to happen again.