Using the word ‘mob’ to question the revolution won’t be tolerated: Tajul

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam today warned against indiscriminate use of the word “mob”.

He said attempts to cast doubt on the achievements of the revolution by using such labels would not be tolerated.

Tajul made the remarks at a policy dialogue, titled “Independence of the Judiciary and Rule of Law”, organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at Dhaka’s CIRDAP auditorium this morning.

“You cannot equate the fall of the Bastille or the uprising at Gono Bhaban with a street mugger mob,” Tajul said, adding that everyone must remain vigilant against attempts to question the revolution or the revolutionaries by repeatedly using the term “mob.”

“We will not accept any attempt to subtly or deliberately cast doubt on the golden achievements of the nation’s history,” he added.

Tajul said Bangladesh has entered a new phase, stressing that those who engage in unjustified street violence and criminal activities must be dealt with strictly, while any attempt to question the revolution would not be tolerated.

Tajul also called for activating the Supreme Judicial Council to address allegations against judges. “The mechanism to deal with judges whose misconduct becomes public should be made much more effective through the Supreme Judicial Council,” he said.

Regarding the Supreme Court Secretariat, he advised against any immediate expansion. “I don’t think there is a need to expand it right now. We should first see how effectively it functions and what outcomes it delivers, and then consider gradual expansion,” he added.

He warned that a sudden expansion with inexperienced staff could create further complications.

On the independence of the judiciary, the ICT chief prosecutor argued that changing laws and systems alone is not the solution; the integrity of the individual is the key factor.

“We want a judiciary free from political or state control. At the same time, we must ensure that judges do not turn into politicians while using their independence,” Tajul said.

The ICT chief prosecutor expressed optimism about the future, saying, “We have come through a bloody revolution in the hope of better days. We dream of a Bangladesh where the judiciary is functional, vibrant, and efficient.”