Mob justice with shoe garlands will ‘return’ the same way, warns Saki

“Is the government fuelling this itself--creating a scene before making an arrest?” Ganosamhati Andolon leader asks

Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki has warned that mob-driven public humiliation -- such as forcing someone to wear a garland of shoes -- sets a “dangerous precedent” that could eventually be turned on its instigators.

He also opposed the interim government’s reported plan to hand over management of Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign operator, accusing it of proceeding without public consent.

Referring to the recent harassment of former chief election commissioner KM Nurul Huda before his arrest, Saki said on Friday that “these examples will come back,” suggesting the interim government may be inciting such actions “deliberately”.

Speaking at a media event at the Chattogram Press Club, he said: “Mob attacks are taking place. The chief press secretary to the chief adviser said it was not a mob, but a pressure group.

“What does that even mean?

“If someone is guilty of wrongdoing, there are avenues to protest. Holding rallies is your right -- not attacking someone’s home.”

Saki accused the government of staging events to build a narrative before taking legal action.

“Is the government fuelling this? Do they need a bit of drama before making an arrest? This is astonishing,” he said.

He added, “Sheikh Hasina used to do the same -- build a character assassination on social media for a few days, then arrest the person. The same method is now being used.”

Saki said political parties have long demanded accountability from the Election Commission.

“Everyone, including us, has said the EC must be held accountable. Take the necessary steps, and if prosecution is required, proceed through the judicial process.

The Ganosamhati leader condemned the act of placing a shoe garland on someone’s neck as “an attack on human dignity”.

“You’re stripping a person of their humanity. Even the worst criminals have rights. That’s why even executions are carried out while acknowledging human rights. This is dehumanisation.

“These practices have no place in a democratic society. And the examples being set now will not stay one-sided -- they will return,” he said.

‘PUBLIC KEPT IN THE DARK OVER PORT DEAL’

Debates have been swirling over the government’s plan to appoint a foreign operator to manage the NCT at Chattogram Port.

He said there had been long-standing protests against leasing out control of such a strategic asset. “Even the current finance advisor has called the port the heart of the economy.

“It’s not just about business -- it’s a matter of national security.”

While technical or structural assistance from foreign partners might be acceptable, Saki argued it must be done transparently.

“The government could have told the people what’s being done. They could have consulted stakeholders. But instead, it seems like the decision is being pushed through quietly.”

“People don’t know what’s being handed over, under what conditions, or for how long. There are legitimate concerns this may compromise sovereignty,” he added.

On the NCT, he said: “Yes, there is already a mafia system entrenched there. A reign of corruption has been established.

“How to change that is a separate discussion. But handing it over to a foreign company as the only remedy -- there are examples where such solutions have failed.”

He demanded that all stakeholders be consulted before any decision is finalised.

“We must proceed with clarity and public dialogue. Any decision should reflect the will of the people --not just the power of the government.”