Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has alleged that incidents of mob violence were significantly encouraged during the tenure of the interim government, leading to a dangerous trend of taking the law into one’s own hands.
Dr Zahed made the allegation while speaking at a press briefing at the conference room of the Press Information Department at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday.
The current government is pursuing a “zero tolerance” policy against such acts and remains firm on maintaining law and order, he said.
Dr Zahed stressed that mob justice will not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that no individual or group has the authority to punish offenders, regardless of the severity of the crime.
“Only the state has the legal right to ensure justice,” he added.
The adviser also mentioned that that past patience toward such incidents had fostered a harmful mindset in society, where people believe they can punish others at will.
He emphasized that even individuals accused of serious crimes must not be physically harmed, as such actions are illegal.
Dr Zahed acknowledged that there may have been administrative failures in some cases, but said the government is working to address them. Discussions have also been held with the home minister to prevent future occurrences, he added.
Mentioning that the government has reiterated its commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy, vowing to strictly suppress any form of planned or organized violence, he said that even if real offenders are caught, they must be brought to justice through legal means, not through mob violence. Taking the law into one’s own hands must be avoided, he emphasized.
bd-pratidin/GR
