The government is firmly committed to suppressing mob culture and establishing the rule of law in Bangladesh, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said on Wednesday.
Addressing his first formal press briefing at the Secretariat since taking office, Swapan noted that the government’s position against mob violence, particularly as articulated by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, is well-known.
He acknowledged that while the administration has assumed the responsibility of establishing the rule of law, it is operating against a long-standing backdrop of lawlessness.
Swapan expressed hope that the country would soon return to a legal framework by clearing the “rubbish” and “maladaptive culture” that has accumulated over many years.
He made the comments in response to a query regarding an incident on Tuesday where a former lawmaker was targeted by a mob at the Metropolitan Court.
The briefing, which was attended by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, was organised to highlight the activities of the government during its first month under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Swapan provided a statistical overview of the progress made on several electoral pledges, including the introduction of Family Cards and Farmers’ Cards, and the provision of monthly allowances for imams, muezzins, and other religious leaders.
He also highlighted the progress of the canal digging programme, the Prime Minister’s practice of attending the Secretariat by 9am, and a significant reduction in VIP protocols. The government has introduced bus services for women, easy-term loans for overseas employment, and simplified processes for foreign investors.
Other initiatives mentioned included power-saving measures in offices and the decision by ruling party MPs to forego duty-free cars and government plots.
Regarding the energy sector, the Minister stated that there is currently no fuel or electricity crisis in the country. He explained that while the global supply via the Strait of Hormuz affects the region, the Ministry of Power and Energy is managing the situation with high efficiency.
Under the leadership of Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a cabinet committee, has successfully brought the situation under disciplined management, and Swapan expressed optimism that further crises could be avoided if plans continue as intended.
Swapan clarified that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has not made any decision to increase fuel prices, which remain significantly lower than in neighbouring countries.
However, the minister cautioned against “panic buying” triggered by misinformation on social media, which creates unnecessary pressure on the government. He urged the media to build public awareness against this trend, noting that certain groups seek to exploit such situations.
Echoing these sentiments, prime minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman warned petrol pump owners against hoarding. He stated that storing fuel in anticipation of a price hike would not be profitable as the prime minister has clearly stated that prices are not being increased.
He also highlighted the danger of misinformation, noting that satirical content is often circulated using logos that mimic established news outlets to spread false reports.
Regarding the Tenth Wage Board, Yasser Khan Choudhury clarified that the Ministry of Labour is responsible for its finalisation, while the Information Ministry only provides recommendations when requested.
Responding to questions about the removal of “associates of fascism” from the Ministry of Information, BTV, Bangladesh Betar, and BSS, the state minister confirmed that the process is underway.
He pointed out that the vacancy of Secretary positions in nine ministries indicates the scale of the ongoing administrative changes.
Yasser also announced initiatives to modernise BTV and Bangladesh Betar, focusing on both technological upgrades and personnel training, and noted his recent inspection of BTV Chattogram to oversee these efforts.
Additionally, Swapan mentioned plans to hold a dialogue with the media to address and resolve various industry challenges.
