The government has issued a stern warning against vigilante justice, declaring that no form of “mob culture” will be tolerated in the country and that the law will be strictly enforced to maintain order.
Prime Minister’s Public Administration Adviser Ismail Zabihullah voiced the warning during a view-exchange programme on Monday, held to mark the administration’s first 180 days in office.
The session was held at Shapla Hall of International Conference Centre inside the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, where Adviser Mahdi Amin presented a statistical report outlining the government’s activities and successes over the past 180 days.
Addressing journalists’ queries regarding over a hundred reported vigilante incidents under this BNP government and alleged inaction by law enforcement agencies following the departure of “fascist” Sheikh Hasina, Zabihullah described mob culture as “untoward” whenever it occurs.
While noting he had no clear, specific examples of recent mob justice, the adviser assured that the situation has improved compared to the latter part of the interim government’s tenure.
“We can assure you that this kind of mob culture will not be tolerated. The country will run in accordance with its laws, and we will enforce them, Insha’Allah,” he declared.
Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi added that the intensity of mob violence has significantly decreased. He noted that it often stems from political support or a subtle political influence, explaining that the scourge would continue to decline as the rule of law is strengthened.
“Under the rule of law declared by our prime minister, no opposition political leader or dissenting voice is facing harassment today,” Rizvi remarked, stating that this climate of the rule of law would help eliminate mob culture entirely.
The view-exchange session was moderated by Press Secretary Saleh Shibli. Other key speakers included Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, and Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon, who alongside other ministers and advisers, fielded questions from the press.
The event was attended by a high-level government delegation, including State Minister for Local Government Shahe Alam, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman, and Special Assistant for Health SM Ziauddin Haider.
Also present were Special Assistant for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saimum Parvez, Principal Coordinator SM Abdul Awal, and Special Assistant for Politics Rashed Khan.
Senior officials and journalist leaders in attendance included Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, Federal Union of Journalists Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Dhaka Union of Journalists General Secretary Khurshid Alam, and Journalist Welfare Trust Managing Director Basir Jamal among others.
