Cops will no longer carry lethal weapons

Police personnel, except those in specialised units, will no longer be allowed to carry lethal weapons, in line with a decision made at the meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order yesterday.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury disclosed the decision while speaking to reporters at the home ministry following the meeting.

"We have decided that police personnel will no longer be allowed to carry lethal weapons. These weapons must be surrendered. No lethal arms will remain in the hands of the regular police. Such weapons will be carried only by members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), as their duties differ somewhat from those of the regular police."

However, the adviser clarified that rifles would still be used by the relevant police battalions.

"But in general operations, there is no need for lethal weapons."

When asked whether the decision on police arms was already in effect, the adviser said a formal resolution was taken at yesterday's meeting, but implementation would take some time.

"Such decisions don't take effect instantly—it will take time to roll out."

A committee, led by Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, special assistant to the chief adviser on home affairs, has been formed to examine police use of firearms and related issues, according to the home adviser.

RESTRUCTURING OF RAB

Another key topic, namely the matter of restructuring of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) was discussed in the meeting attended by the heads of all major law enforcement agencies and several government advisers.

"Most of the meeting's time was spent discussing how Rab will be reorganised -- whether it will continue under the same name, wear the same uniform, or even exist in its current form," the home adviser said.

To oversee the restructuring, a committee has been formed under the leadership of Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Hafiz, special assistant to the chief adviser, with several force chiefs as members. The committee has also been authorised to co-opt other members if needed.

Mentionable, the Rab had previously been accused of violating human rights.

In 2021, the US imposed sanctions on the Rab and six former top officials of the agency over reports of gross human rights violations.

Two and a half months ago, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in its fact-finding report on the July uprising, recommended disbanding the force, citing serious human rights violations and abuses.

EX-PRESIDENT'S DEPARTURE

Home boss Jahangir Alam also addressed questions regarding the travel of former president Abdul Hamid and the alleged retention of his diplomatic passport.

"An investigation committee has been formed to determine whether retaining the passport was legal. As a former president, there are certain entitlements. Whether anything beyond the official protocol was provided will be examined by the committee."

Jahangir added that no conclusion has been reached yet regarding the legality of the passport retention. "That will be determined through the investigation."

In response to a question about the government's drive to recover illegal weapons, the adviser said operations are ongoing but expectations have not been met. "We haven't recovered as many weapons as we had hoped. I can't provide an exact number at this moment."

The meeting also discussed workers' arrears, particularly in the garment sector. The adviser said that all eligible workers must be paid their dues before Eid.

"Those who are owed wages must be paid. However, if any group takes to the streets with illegitimate demands, they will not be allowed to block roads or occupy public spaces under any circumstances."

A specific deadline for wage disbursement has been set but was not disclosed publicly.

Regarding Eid cattle markets, Jahangir said that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure tight security and prevent theft or fraudulent activity.

"Each cattle market must deploy at least 100 Ansar members for security."

The Highway Police have been instructed to ensure smooth travel for holidaymakers. Unlike previous years, when traffic primarily flowed out of Dhaka, this Eid will also see cattle trucks returning to the capital, increasing pressure on roads.

"To address this, we've issued instructions to the Highway Police, and intelligence agencies have been alerted to prevent any form of toll collection or extortion on highways."