DMP Chief Orders Police to Shoot Arson, Cocktail Attackers
Bangladesh: Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjad Ali has instructed police officers to use firearms if anyone attempts to set vehicles on fire or throw crude bombs in a manner that endangers lives and property.
The directive was issued on Sunday (16 November) through a wireless message, the commissioner confirmed to the media.
“Yes, I gave that order,” he said. “If someone sets fire to a bus, hurls cocktails, or attacks the police, should the force simply sit there and do nothing?”
The instruction comes amid heightened tension ahead of Monday’s scheduled verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal in the case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to the July uprising.
Despite operating under a ban on political activities, the Awami League called for protests and a “Dhaka lockdown” from 10 to 13 November, coinciding with the run-up to the verdict.
Since 10 November, Dhaka and several other districts have experienced repeated arson attacks on buses and trains, as well as crude bomb explosions. Similar orders to take armed action were issued by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police commissioner just five days earlier.
Between Saturday night and Sunday morning, multiple vehicles were torched and bombs were thrown in different parts of the capital.
Police have conducted raids across the city, detaining 18 Awami League activists in connection with the unrest.
