Zero tolerance for mob violence: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the government is pursuing a "zero tolerance policy" against mob violence and mass beatings, with those involved being swiftly identified and prosecuted.

He made the remarks during Thursday's question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, chaired by Speaker Hafizuddin Ahmed.

"The state has the sole authority to prosecute crimes. Punishing or physically abusing anyone without following legal procedures is illegal and a gross violation of human rights," he said.

Responding to a question from ruling-party MP Selina Sultana Nishita, the minister said the government had adopted a specific action plan to curb mob violence and the tendency to take the law into one's own hands.

Searches and surveillance have been intensified in suspicious areas, while visible police patrols, intelligence monitoring, CCTV coverage and technology-based crime detection are being strengthened, he said.

The government is also maintaining regular communication with religious leaders to prevent extremism and monitoring social media to counter rumours that could trigger mob violence, he said. Beat policing and involvement of local dignitaries are also being used to prevent such incidents.

Replying to opposition MP Md Abul Hasnat, Salahuddin said the law and order situation was improving as law enforcement agencies were arresting suspects swiftly in cases that sparked public concern.