Do not demoralise police, or citizens may again need to guard their own homes: DMP commissioner

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has urged city residents not to engage in activities that undermine police morale, warning that such actions could lead to a situation where citizens would have to protect their homes themselves.

"It has taken enormous effort for the police to regain their morale. Do not try to break it again. Otherwise, like the days after 5 August, you will have to guard your homes with bamboo sticks," he said while briefing reporters after inaugurating the DB Cyber Support Center in the capital today (20 November).

Referring to a widely circulated incident on social media, the commissioner said police officers faced unacceptable behaviour while trying to prevent unrest.

The DMP commissioner also said one of his officers was injured by a crude bomb (cocktail) thrown near a police station last night (19 November).

"He was an innocent officer standing on the road in front of the station. Attacking an innocent person like this destroys police morale, and in the end, all of us suffer," he added.

He said, "After 5 August, even 80-year-old men had to guard their neighbourhoods. If my officers lose morale again, you will once more have to take to the streets with bamboo sticks to protect your homes. Those who are engaging in such acts of sabotage and trying to demoralise my force by throwing cocktails, I request you to stop. Let us all work together to stay safe and live well."

Sajjat Ali said, "A mass uprising has already taken place. The government has changed. If such activities continue now, instability will grow. My officers were deployed to prevent that. But the behaviour they faced was deeply hurtful. We do not expect this from educated, sensible citizens."

"The DMP faced extremely challenging conditions after the uprising. Through tremendous effort and with your cooperation, our officers have regained their morale. Please do not try to break it again. This is my earnest request," he added.

Responding to a question regarding shooting at cocktail throwers, he said, "Please read the law. I did not make the law, Parliament did. The country's basic law clearly specifies what is allowed. I have not issued any directives. I simply remind my officers of what the law states. The police will enforce the law to protect the lives and property of Dhaka's residents."