Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that no incidents of “mob violence” will be tolerated in the country under any circumstances.

After the formation of the government, he spoke to journalists on Wednesday at his office in the Secretariat following a meeting with officials and staff of the ministry.

During the briefing, Salahuddin said: “Mob culture has ended in Bangladesh. It will not be encouraged in any way. People may have demands, but those must be presented through proper procedures. Rallies and public gatherings can be held — democratic culture will continue — but highways cannot be blocked in the name of pressing demands.

“Mob culture in pursuit of demands will not be tolerated.”

Referring to the police force, the home minister said: “For many people, the ministry is synonymous with the police. The police must become friends of the public. The image that was previously damaged must be restored.”

Sending a strong message about corruption within the ministry, the minister added: “We must build a totally corruption-free ministry. There must be accountability and transparency at every level. If anyone within the force is found to be involved in criminal activity, immediate action will be taken following an investigation.”