Khulna district police have instructed their members not to travel alone at night following an attack in which a police inspector was seriously injured by muggers in the city.
The directive was issued in an official letter signed by the superintendent of police of the District Special Branch (DSB) on Friday night.
According to the letter, special operations are underway in Rupsa, Terokhada, Dighalia and Batiaghata upazilas amid the prevailing law and order situation and a series of recent incidents.
It also noted recent attacks on law enforcement personnel and instructed police members deployed on special operations and other duties not to travel alone at night for their personal safety.
Unit heads were asked to take necessary measures to enforce the directive. Copies of the letter were sent to all relevant offices and police stations under the district police.
Khulna SP Sarker Omar Faruk said a police inspector was seriously injured by muggers wielding sharp weapons late Thursday night while returning home after completing a special operation at Rupsa police station.
The inspector had crossed the ferry and was travelling by rickshaw when he came under attack in front of Khulna Collegiate Girls’ School. He was in plain clothes and carrying two mobile phones and a wallet.
“He may have tried to resist the muggers,” the SP said.
The inspector was sent to Dhaka in critical condition and remains under treatment at a private hospital there.
Following the incident, the district police imposed the restriction to ensure the safety of its members and prevent them from falling victim to muggers after duty, Omar Faruk said.
Asked whether the directive could send a message of insecurity, the SP said it was an internal measure.
“It was issued primarily to ensure that no police member falls victim to muggers,” he said.
