DMP chief orders use of firearms to stop arson attacks

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Sunday instructed police personnel to open fire on anyone attempting to torch vehicles or carry out petrol bombs or crude bomb attacks in the capital. The order was issued through a wireless message in the afternoon, said a police officer, posted in a police station, requesting anonymity as he was not authorized to comment publicly.

Commissioner Sajjat Ali later told the media that the directive was issued in light of recent arson attempts targeting public transport and law enforcement.

He said that the directive was given through a wireless message to open fire if anyone sets fire to a bus or throws a crude bomb with the intent to cause loss of life. "This is permitted under the existing laws."

According to police sources, the instruction applies in situations where miscreants ignite buses, throw crude bombs with lethal intent, or attempt to attack police by hurling explosives from moving motorcycles, reports UNB.

The directive comes amid a fresh wave of unrest allegedly linked to the Awami League (AL), which has been barred from political activities. It had earlier called for protests and a 'Dhaka Lockdown' from November 10 to 13.

The party launched the program ahead of the expected verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal in a case against Sheikh Hasina over charges related to the July uprising.

Since November 10, many incidents of arson attacks on buses and trains, along with crude bomb explosions, have been reported in Dhaka and other districts.

The verdict in the case against Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to be pronounced on Monday, prompting the Awami League to declare a two-day 'complete shutdown'.