The new home minister’s statement on his first day in office about ending mob culture—a tactic increasingly used by various quarters in the recent past—is encouraging. However, strong words must be followed by firm action, because the mob mentality does not appear to have shifted much even though the interim government, during whose tenure mobs almost enjoyed free rein, has departed. Some groups continue to display mob or violent behaviour, imposing decisions on others while disregarding rules and due process.
While we appreciate that maintaining law and order has been included in the government’s 180-day priority plan, it must ensure that respect for rules and procedures is continuously upheld, and that no unruly conduct is tolerated even when carried out by those claiming genuine grievances. In fact, the new BNP government must be particularly vigilant to ensure that it does not condone such behaviour by its own party activists and supporters. It will be worthwhile to remember the words Prime Minister Tarique Rahman uttered in his first official address about “operating according to established laws and regulations” and without any “partisan influence or coercion.” Enforcing this pledge will be a considerable challenge for his team, but they must not falter in this commitment.
We must also remind BNP that, historically in our country, supporters of winning parties often display a retaliatory impulse post-poll. Indeed, according to data from the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), three people were killed and over 300 injured in more than 200 clashes on February 13 and 14, after the poll results were announced. The clashes involved supporters of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP. The opposition alliance has made several claims of retaliatory attacks by BNP supporters. These allegations should be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and the perpetrators, regardless of their party affiliation, must be brought to justice.
Furthermore, the government should be wary of certain social media influencers whose hateful rhetoric was instrumental in inciting mob violence in the past. Intelligence agencies must be adequately equipped to identify such disruptive elements online and take appropriate action. Habitual instigators will receive a clear message about the government’s intolerance of mob violence when past incidents are investigated and those responsible are held accountable. Monitoring and curbing online hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation—without infringing upon people’s freedom of speech, of course—is essential to maintaining law and order. The challenges facing the government are formidable, so it must be both resolute and prudent as it navigates this difficult path.
