The Dhaka Metropolitan Police chief yesterday ordered police personnel to open fire at anyone who would attack a police petrol team or law enforcers working at a check post.
DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah gave the directive at a weekly meeting at the DMP Headquarters, said a Detective Branch official.
He quoted the commissioner as saying: “Miscreants shoot the police and flee the scene easily; this cannot happen. Police should also shoot them. In that case, no permission will be needed.
“If an adequate number of police cannot be found, there is no need to set up any check post in that area,” Asaduzzaman was quoted as saying.
He also reportedly ordered police to use bulletproof jackets and helmets at all check posts.
However, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) SM Jahangir Alam Sarker said they had not receive any such directive.
Meanwhile, a senior DB official told the Dhaka Tribune that following the murder of an ASI in Gabtoli, they had been ordered to ensure that at least one armed policeman stayed on guard when a person was being scanned at check posts. If a suspect tried to attack, the vigilant official would then take action.
If the suspect tried to flee, the official would open fire; but there would be no attempt by the police team to follow the fleeing suspect. If necessary, the next check post would be informed about the suspect, he said.
