Govt will not tolerate 'mob culture': Salahuddin

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (30 March) warned that the government will no longer tolerate the country's growing "mob culture," vowing strict action against any attempt to create disorder in the name of pressing demands.

Responding to a concern from MP Rumin Farhana during a session of the Jatiya Sangsad, the minister said road blockades and mob gatherings to force demands would not be allowed under any circumstances.

"We have made it clear after assuming office that there will be no mob culture in Bangladesh," he said. "The tendency to block highways or roads, which was seen during the interim government period, will never be allowed again."

Rumin Farhana raised concerns over rising incidents of mob violence, referencing past allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Citing statistics, she said between 250 and 300 people were killed in mob-related incidents between September 2024 and January 2026. "Even I was a victim of such an incident on 21 February," she added, seeking clarification on government measures to address the issue.

In his reply, the home minister stressed the need to distinguish between mob violence and organised crime, noting that not all incidents should be categorised as mob action. "Targeted attacks or vandalism against specific institutions are organised and premeditated crimes," he said, adding that such offences are subject to legal cases, investigation, and trial.

Urging citizens to pursue demands through democratic channels, he said people have the right to submit memorandums, organise seminars, and hold public gatherings. "We will ensure freedom of speech and the right to association," he said, adding that the culture of using mobs to realise demands must come to an end.