DMP chief warns field officers of dismissal if AL supporters manage to bring out flash processions
In a recent recording obtained by TBS, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Shazzat Ali is heard issueing a stern warning: officers responsible for areas where such processions take place will face punitive action.
Highlights
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Field officers will face suspension if flash processions by the banned Awami League occur in their areas
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Patrol Inspector Abul Hossain was suspended after rallies were held on 13 September in Agargaon
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Police criticised for failing to stop banned rallies, with viral videos showing officers standing by.
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Field-level officers of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) are under mounting pressure as flash processions by the banned Awami League and its affiliates continue to erupt across the capital.
In a recent recording obtained by TBS, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Shazzat Ali is heard issuing a stern warning: officers responsible for areas where such processions take place will face punitive action.
"I don't understand what you are doing," the commissioner was heard saying. "I have already made it clear in meetings—if a procession takes place in any area, the officer-in-charge will face action. There is no alternative."
He specifically cited incidents in Agargaon, where processions were held both in the morning and evening. "I now have no option but to take action against the patrol inspector and the assistant commissioner of patrol for that area," he added.
Following the commissioner's message, another senior DMP official also warned officers over wireless communication, urging them to prevent gatherings at all costs. "Big or small, flash processions are happening in different places. If this continues every day, they will only grow bolder. Their numbers are rising from 10–20 to larger groups. If this trend continues, it will be impossible to control," the official said in Bangla.
From now on, if any procession or showdown takes place in an area, the assistant commissioner of patrol and the patrol inspector will be suspended.
He further warned, "From now on, if any procession or showdown takes place in an area, the assistant commissioner of patrol and the patrol inspector will be suspended. The commissioner will take further action. Today, in Agargaon, rallies were held both morning and evening. For this, the patrol inspector of Agargaon has already been closed."
The official went on to announce over wireless that the suspended officer's call sign had been revoked and he had been instructed to report to his assigned office. He also cited the commissioner and the additional commissioner (crime) as the sources of the directive.
Inquiries revealed that on 13 September, leaders and activists of the banned Awami League staged a procession in Agargaon. That same day, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police's Patrol Inspector Abul Hossain was suspended.
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Inspector (Investigation) Mehedi Hasan confirmed the matter, saying, "Abul Hossain was closed either on 13 or 14 September."
When contacted, DMP Media Wing DC Talebur Rahman told TBS that instructions had been issued for all officers to remain alert against rallies by banned organisations. However, he said he was unaware of any directive that specifically ordered the dismissal of area ACs and patrol inspectors if such processions occurred.
