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Published : 13 Jul 2025, 05:45 PM
The interim government has launched a nationwide “combing operation” to arrest those involved in recent “mob” violence and rising criminal activity.
Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced the decision move on Sunday after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order at the Secretariat.
“The government has decided to initiate a combing operation to identify and arrest the perpetrators behind these crimes and restore order,” Jahangir said.
“This begins immediately, and we seek everyone’s cooperation.”
He said law-enforcing agencies are already working to prevent all forms of crime, including theft, mugging, extortion, and organised street violence, but the current situation warrants special measures.
“In light of recent developments, the government is prepared to take extraordinary steps to identify and apprehend criminals and terrorists at any time,” he said.
The meeting also addressed broader issues such as politically motivated mobs, growing unrest in industrial zones, violence against women and children, drug abuse, and the recovery of illegal arms.
Discussions included preparations for upcoming elections and coordination between law-enforcing agencies.
Referring to the Jul 9 killing of 32-year-old Lal Chand alias Sohag, bludgeoned with a concrete block, outside Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, the advisor described the incident as "inhuman and unacceptable in a civilised society".
Video footage of the attack sparked widespread anger, prompting street protests across the country demanding justice. Sohag, who traded in scrap metal in the Mitford area, was killed in broad daylight.
Police say suspects in the case are involved in politics linked to the BNP and its affiliate organisations.
In response, the BNP, Jubo Dal, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal expelled five members named in the case. However, the BNP has alleged that the government deliberately held back security forces to allow lawlessness and create a pretext to delay elections.
Jahangir rejected the claim, saying law enforcement acted swiftly.
“Security forces are highly alert. They rushed to the scene and have already arrested seven of the 19 suspects,” he said. “Six were identified from video footage, and efforts are under way to detain others outside Dhaka.”
Asked whether there was any negligence by law enforcement during the incident, Jahangir replied: “A criminal is a criminal, regardless of political affiliation. No one is being spared.”
He added that the rise in social unrest, intolerance, and moral decay is contributing to the growing crime rate. He urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands and to work with the authorities.
On election preparations, the advisor reiterated: “We aim to complete our part of the election preparation by December. The final timing depends on the Election Commission...”
Asked about criminals securing bail after arrest, he said the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the law ministry.
Jahangir also cited the Mitford case as a cautionary example. “Nobody even called in the Ansar to intervene,” he said.
“We’re not blaming anyone, but people must step up,” he said.
