The Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BASAD) has accused the government of failing to contain mob violence, extortion, land grabbing and juvenile gang activity across the country.

BASAD General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz raised the concerns in a statement issued on Monday, calling for immediate government action to restore law and order.

Firoz cited recent incidents involving the RADDA healthcare centre in Mirpur-1, a studio at ICB Square and an alleged attempt to occupy a house in Adabar.

The incidents involving attempted takeovers, looting and violence had created fear among the public, he said.

“The government has continued to demonstrate its failure to prevent these incidents,” Firoz said.

He also raised concerns over juvenile gangs, saying violent incidents involving such groups were continuing across the country while the authorities had failed to bring them under control.

Firoz referred to reports claiming that 15,000 children had gone missing, saying the figures had caused anxiety among parents.

He said police had reported recovering 13,000 of them, but claimed there was insufficient clarity about the circumstances in which they were found. Based on the figures cited, another 2,000 remained missing, he added.

Firoz also criticised recent remarks attributed to the home minister that an incident could not be called extortion unless a case containing a specific allegation was filed.

He said such remarks appeared to offer offenders “indulgence” rather than signal firm action against them.

Firoz drew a comparison with the previous interim government, accusing some of its officials, including its press secretary, of encouraging mob activity by referring to mobs as “pressure groups.”

BASAD called on the government to act against those involved in mob violence, extortion and grabbing regardless of their political affiliation.

It also urged the authorities to prevent further deterioration of law and order and ensure the security of people and their property.

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