No Lighting for Independence Day Due to Fuel Crisis: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that no lighting or illuminations will be conducted on Independence Day this year, as part of a decision to address the ongoing fuel crisis in the country.

In a briefing on March 8 after a meeting at the Secretariat regarding Independence Day arrangements, the Home Minister explained that traditionally, lighting is a part of celebrations on Independence Day and National Day. However, in light of the current fuel shortage, the government has decided to forgo this tradition this year to conserve energy and promote austerity. He requested the cooperation of all concerned departments, ministries, and the public in adhering to this decision.

In response to questions regarding a recent incident in Jhenaidah, where a man was beaten to death at a petrol pump, the Home Minister differentiated between mob violence and spot crime. He stated that mob violence and other types of crimes should not be confused, adding that the government is taking action against all types of crimes. However, he assured that the government is serious about ending mob culture in Bangladesh and expressed optimism that it would be eradicated in the future.

When asked about the Student League's activities and the March 7 speech broadcast, the Home Minister responded that, according to the Anti-Terrorism Act, visible political activities are restricted, but isolated incidents continue to occur. He emphasized that the police are taking measures and will continue to do so in the future.