In a decisive move to restore the rule of law and public confidence, the newly appointed Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, has issued a stern warning against the rising “mob culture” that has plagued the nation. Speaking on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at the Secretariat following a high-level briefing with ministry officials, the Minister made it clear that the era of vigilante justice and street-level disruption is officially over.
A Mandate for Public Order
Addressing journalists after his first formal meeting since the government’s formation, Minister Ahmed emphasised that while democratic expression remains a fundamental right, it cannot come at the expense of civil stability. He articulated a vision for a disciplined society where grievances are addressed through institutional channels rather than through chaotic public displays.
“Mob culture in Bangladesh is finished,” the Minister declared. “We will no longer tolerate or encourage this behaviour. While citizens have the right to protest and hold processions, they must do so within the bounds of the law. Blocking motorways and disrupting the lives of the general public under the guise of demanding rights is strictly prohibited.”
Reforming the Police Image
A central pillar of the Minister’s agenda involves a radical overhaul of the national police force. Acknowledging that the public’s perception of the police has been severely tarnished by past controversies, he called for a shift toward community-centric policing. The goal, he noted, is to transform the force into a genuine “friend of the people,” moving away from a reputation of intimidation toward one of service and protection.
To achieve this, the Ministry has outlined a framework for accountability:
| Priority Area | Strategic Action |
| Corruption | Zero-tolerance policy; establishing a “Totally Corruption-Free” Ministry. |
| Accountability | Mandatory transparency in all departmental operations and expenditures. |
| Discipline | Immediate internal investigations and legal action against officers involved in criminal activity. |
| Public Relations | Rebuilding the image of the police through professionalism and ethical conduct. |
Strengthening Institutional Integrity
The Minister’s message was not limited to the streets; it was a direct order to the civil servants and security personnel under his jurisdiction. By demanding total transparency and accountability, he aims to insulate the Ministry of Home Affairs from the systemic graft that has historically hindered its effectiveness.
He concluded by reassuring the public that the government is committed to a “Democratic Culture” where voices are heard, provided they follow the “proper procedures.” This balanced approach—defending democratic rights while enforcing strict legal consequences for mob-led disruption—signals a significant shift in the nation’s internal security strategy as it enters 2026.