Govt announces hardline stance against 'mob violence', 'disorder'

Authorities have been instructed to act accordingly, government advisors say

Information Advisor Mahfuj Alam has outlined the government's "uncompromising stance" against attempts to incite chaos, incidents of "mob violence" and crimes such as robbery amid rising concerns over law and order in the country.

Speaking to reporters after an advisory council meeting at the Secretariat on Sunday, he stressed that if a disorderly situation arises, legal action will be taken against those responsible, regardless of their identity.

He was joined by Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Law Advisor Asif Nazrul at the briefing.

Addressing the meeting, Asif said, “Today’s discussion focused on the Lalmatia incident and similar cases. As you all know, the law is impartial -- it does not consider race, religion, or gender. Anyone who commits a crime will be treated equally under the law."

“Whether the offender is male or female, religious or non-religious, anyone involved in mob justice will be held legally accountable. That is the decision we have made today.”

He added that all relevant authorities have already been instructed to act accordingly.

“In the presence of the chief advisor, we have decided that from now on, any instance of mob justice, attempts to besiege a police station, or any act of public disorder will be met with strict measures," said Mahfuj.

"Immediate arrests and appropriate legal action will follow.”

Reiterating the government’s "zero-tolerance" policy on mob violence, Mahfuj said, “In the past, incidents of mob justice have occurred. Whenever cases were filed or legal actions taken, the law followed its course. Moving forward, we will enforce a zero-tolerance policy against mob justice, robberies and any form of social unrest or anarchy that disrupts stability in society.”