The Home Ministry has issued a stern warning against “vigilante action, forced resignation, looting, extortion, and pressuring police to indiscriminately file charges” following the fall of the authoritarian government.
If there is a complaint against someone, it should be reported to the superior officer and the department, and no establishment can be sieged or any kind of violent behavior will be allowed.The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a warning that the existing laws will be duly followed and measures will be taken by the government to eliminate harassing actions in the investigation and taking cases.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, the Home Ministry said, in the aftermath of the student-mass uprising, when the Awami League government was overthrown on August 5, an interim government has been formed. The previous regime’s brutal crackdown on the uprising led to significant loss of life and numerous injuries. For years, the Awami League government had been widely criticized for human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other forms of oppression, fueling deep-seated public anger.
The interim government, committed to addressing these past atrocities, has pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice, the notice says. The government has also invited the United Nations to conduct an independent investigation, emphasizing a transparent and fair judicial process.
However, the Home Ministry has expressed concern over the recent rise in vigilante actions and unlawful activities by certain groups. These groups have been engaging in actions such as illegal blockades, forced resignations, vandalism, arson, unauthorized searches, looting, extortion, and pressuring police to indiscriminately file charges. There have also been instances of attacks on accused individuals in court, all of which threaten to destabilize the nation.
In response, the government has assured the public that legal proceedings will be conducted judiciously, and arrests will not be made indiscriminately. All cases will undergo thorough investigation before any legal action is taken.
The Home Ministry has made it clear that any activities disrupting public safety will be met with strict legal action. The government plans to identify and swiftly act against those involved in these criminal activities, regardless of their political affiliations.
The notice further instructs that any allegations against individuals should be reported to senior officials and relevant authorities, rather than resorting to unlawful actions such as blockading institutions or engaging in violent behavior. The government has reiterated its commitment to following established legal procedures in conducting searches and accepting cases, with measures in place to prevent harassment.
Finally, the government has called on all citizens to cooperate in maintaining law and order during this transitional period.
Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
