Mob and crime are not the same thing, don’t confuse the two: Home Minister

❐ Staff Reporter

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has commented that there is no scope to view mob terrorism and isolated crimes as one. He said, “Mob is one type of incident and spot crime or specific crime is a different matter – it is not right to confuse mob with all of them.”

He made these remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting of the Law and Order Committee at the Ministry of Home Affairs conference room on Sunday, March 8.

Responding to a question on mob justice, the Home Minister said, “Recently, a young woman was raped and murdered in Narsingdi. Initially, it was believed that multiple people were involved in the incident. Later, investigation revealed that the victim’s stepfather was involved in the incident. Immediately after the complaint was filed, the law enforcement agencies took swift action and the accused were arrested within 48 hours. They are currently in police custody and some have already confessed.”

He said the government is aware of several other such isolated incidents, including one in Chittagong. Law enforcement agencies are investigating these matters with seriousness. However, it would not be right to equate isolated crimes with mob attacks.

However, the Home Minister said that the government is very cautious about mob terrorism, saying, “Mob culture cannot exist in Bangladesh. The government is taking a strict stance to eradicate such tendencies.”

Meanwhile, regarding the possible unrest over the salaries and allowances of garment workers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, he said, the government has already held discussions with the organizations that own the ready-made garment sector. Leaders of BGMEA, BTMEA and BKMEA have said that they are sincere in paying the salaries, allowances and bonuses of the workers before Eid.

He said, “With a few exceptions, it is expected that most institutions will be able to pay on time. The government and the banking sector will provide necessary cooperation in this regard. If there is a problem anywhere, it has been asked to take initiatives to resolve it in advance.”

The Home Minister also announced the decision not to light up the Independence Day. He said that keeping in mind the energy crisis and austerity measures, no lighting will be done nationwide on March 26.

The minister said, “Usually, various establishments are illuminated on this day. However, considering the current situation, this decision has been taken with the aim of saving energy and reducing poverty. In addition, cooperation from all concerned departments and the public has been sought to ensure safety.”

He further said that Genocide Day will be observed on March 25 with due dignity and deep respect. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will play a major role in this program, while the Ministry of Home Affairs will be responsible for security.

He also said that necessary coordination has been made to ensure smooth wreath-laying programs by the President, Prime Minister, cabinet members, opposition party leaders, and various socio-political organizations at the National Memorial in Savar on the morning of March 26.

The Home Minister also said that the government has taken special measures to ensure smooth travel of people heading home before Eid. To this end, the Additional IGP of Industrial Police has been given the responsibility of being the focal point for coordination between industrial areas and related organizations.

He will monitor the situation in coordination with BGMEA, BTMEA, BKMEA, workers’ representatives and the Road Transport Workers’ Federation.