Govt to rein in mob justice, improve law and order: Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has asserted that "mob justice" will be brought under control and underscored the necessity of improving the country's law and order situation.

Addressing the challenges ahead, the minister said today (18 April) that the primary objective is "to build the nation", while speaking to journalists on his first working day at the Secretariat following the formation of the new government.

Fakhrul noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leading message to the country was, "I have a plan," and the cabinet has been formed specifically to execute that vision.

According to the LGRD minister, the cabinet's mandate is to solve the problems of the people and drive Bangladesh forward.

When questioned about the widespread incidents of mob justice witnessed over the past year and a half, the minister stated firmly, "Absolutely. This will be controlled. We must strive to improve the law and order situation, regardless of how much it had deteriorated."

He called for patience, reminding the public of the significant upheaval the nation has endured. "A major storm has passed over us. There has been a revolution and a mass uprising.

"There is no reason to believe that everything will be fixed in an instant," he noted.

Reflecting on the political transition, the minister highlighted the achievement of moving past the interim period. "We have passed a year and a half under an interim government. They have delivered an election, and through that, an elected government.

"I consider this a very big achievement in itself," he added.

"Democracy is our main ingredient, which we are moving forward with. That means democracy will be present in everything we do. We believe in that democracy. Specifically, the [LGRD] ministry has total connection with the people, right at the grassroots level. I have an advantage as I was once involved in local government myself," said Fakhrul.

He continued, "So, we have some ideas about these things. I believe that I can turn this ministry into an extremely dynamic one. We will be able to work on the problems that the people face."

Responding to journalists' concerns that the country's "law and order, economy, and foreign policy are fragile", Fakhrul said, "No, it's not that bad. It's not as bad as you are perceiving it. Our law and order situation has improved much more than before.

"The economy, macroeconomic stability, has largely returned. The banks have been brought under significant control. All these had been destroyed. We believe that through everyone's coordinated efforts, we can make this even better," he added.

When asked whether an election "without the Awami League" was inclusive, the senior BNP leader said, "No, everyone is saying both nationally and internationally that this has been an inclusive election. And it is because it was an inclusive election that it has become acceptable to all today."

Regarding the BNP-led government's decision concerning the Awami League, Fakhrul said, "We will inform you of this later politically… After our government's discussions."

When asked if a white paper would be published regarding the activities of the interim government, he said, "There is no need. Because they took responsibility at a specific moment. At that time, I believe, and my party believes, that they were able to do the lion's share of what was necessary."

"What was the main problem? The transition to democracy. They [interim government] have accomplished that. Therefore, you must give credit to them. They have done a lot of good work," he added.