Govt pledges to end mob culture
The government is firmly committed to suppressing mob culture and establishing the rule of law in Bangladesh, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said on Wednesday.
Addressing his first formal press briefing at the Secretariat since taking office, Swapan noted that the government’s position against mob violence, particularly as articulated by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, is well-known.
He acknowledged that while the administration has assumed the responsibility of establishing the rule of law, it is operating against a long-standing backdrop of lawlessness, reports media.
Swapan expressed hope that the country would soon return to a legal framework by clearing the “rubbish” and “maladaptive culture” that has accumulated over many years.
He made the comments in response to a query regarding an incident on Tuesday where a former lawmaker was targeted by a mob at the Metropolitan Court.
The briefing, which was attended by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, was organised to highlight the activities of the government during its first month under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Swapan provided a statistical overview of the progress made on several electoral pledges, including the introduction of Family Cards and Farmers’ Cards, and the provision of monthly allowances for imams, muezzins, and other religious leaders.
He also highlighted the progress of the canal digging programme, the Prime Minister’s practice of attending the Secretariat by 9am, and a significant reduction in VIP protocols.
The government has introduced bus services for women, easy-term loans for overseas employment, and simplified processes for foreign investors.
Other initiatives mentioned included power-saving measures in offices and the decision by ruling party MPs to forego duty-free cars and government plots.
Regarding the energy sector, the Minister stated that there is currently no fuel or electricity crisis in the country. He explained that while the global supply via the Strait of Hormuz affects the region, the Ministry of Power and Energy is managing the situation with high efficiency.
Under the leadership of Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, a cabinet committee has successfully brought the situation under disciplined management, and Swapan expressed optimism that further crises could be avoided if plans continue as intended.
Swapan clarified that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has not made any decision to increase fuel prices, which remain significantly lower than in neighbouring countries.
