Awami League (AL) general secretary Obaidul Quader has warned against spreading rumours, saying the government is investigating whether the recent incidents are part of an attempt to destabilise the country, report agencies.
"Our party is taking initiatives to prevent recurrence of lynching as a result of rumours ... Action will be taken against anyone spreading them," he told reporters at the Secretariat.
So far, eight people, including women, have been beaten to death across the country over rumours of child abduction. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Tuesday said those who are responsible for the killings will be accused in murder cases.
"We're investigating if any quarter is trying to destabilise the country by spreading rumours or whether attempts are being made to put the government in a tight spot," said Quader.
The ruling party general secretary said Awami League leaders have been asked to arrange meetings to raise awareness. MPs were instructed through the Chief Whip to arrange meetings in their localities in this regard.
"Many of those involved [in spreading rumours] have been arrested. I'm urging everyone to refrain from spreading rumours. Don't be misguided by propaganda and take the law into your own hand," he said.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said on Wednesday ruling party leaders and activists have been asked to resist any incident of lynch-mob attack
He said those who are against the construction of Padma Bridge are spreading the rumour of child sacrifice.
"Those who had earlier said the government wouldn't be able to construct the Padma Bridge and those who don't want its construction spread the rumour that children are needed to be sacrificed for the bridge, triggering child-abduction panic among people," he said.
Talking to reporters at the Secretariat, the minister said his party general secretary Obaidul Quader discussed the matter with its leaders and activists on Tuesday at their party office.
"We've requested our party leaders and activists to put up a resistance against those creating panic and taking the law into their own hands."
