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Regarding recent incidents of mob violence, the law adviser said the government took measures to tackle such acts of vigilantism and moral policing. Arrests have been made, and further actions are ongoing, according to him.

The advisers spoke about the procession brought out by banned outfit Hizb ut-Tahrir on Friday in the Baitul Mukarram area. The government would take a “zero tolerance” stance against such groups, they said.

“There is no way a banned organisation can conduct such political activities. Our law enforcers are alert about this,” said Home Adviser Jahangir.

He also said the government was committed to ensuring law and order during Ramadan.

The law enforcement agencies set up nearly 50 search and frisk checkpoints at key places in the capital, and increased patrol teams in crime-prone areas, according to him.

A joint force comprised of the army, police, and the Border Guard Bangladesh was conducting operations in those areas while home ministry officials were tasked with monitoring the increased patrolling, said Jahangir.

ARREST MOBS INSTANTLY

Speaking at the briefing, Adviser Mahfuj said that from now on, anyone involved in whipping up mobs or creating any kind of disorder will be arrested directly from the spot, reports UNB.

He mentioned that discussions had taken place in the Chief Adviser’s Office regarding incidents of violence and harassment against women in various locations.

He added, “The law is blind; it will not consider the criminal’s caste, ethnicity, or gender, whether they are male or female. Whoever conducts mob justice—whether religious or non-religious—they will be brought under the law from today onwards.”

He also said, “Any place where ‘mob justice’ incidents have occurred, we will take necessary legal actions or handle matters from our side through proper legal procedures.

“Mob justice, robberies, property seizures, and other social issues that have caused instability and anarchy in society will now be met with a zero-tolerance approach.”

“Our intelligence agencies are active in monitoring any disturbances or incidents of mob justice from the past seven to eight months. We have instructed them to take a more proactive approach in keeping everything under surveillance.

“From today onwards, we will collect all the information collectively, and any criminal will be arrested on the spot. We will not wait for one more day,” the adviser added.

Mahfuj further said programmes will be organised in collaboration with the cultural affairs ministry to raise awareness against violence and harassment of women and children.

“Additionally, we are considering monitoring media coverage of issues related to law and order, mob justice, militancy, and other potential issues to ensure they are presented properly in the media,” he said.

“We will sit with the media outlets to discuss how they will focus on these issues. Our ministry will try to reorganise this establishment to ensure the public gets accurate information.”

The adviser added, “For the past 6-7 months, there has been a communication war against this government, both within Bangladesh and from India. From now on, we will enter into a counter-communication war.”