DMP Commissioner orders shooting at those who set fire to cars, throw cocktails

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has ordered shooting at those who set fire to cars and vehicles and hurl cocktails. 

He gave such instructions to police members in a radio message on Sunday afternoon. 

Some officers of the DMP's Crime Division gave this information.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali said that he told anyone who sets fire to a bus or tries to kill someone by throwing cocktails on them to be shot. This is stated in the police law.

On November 13, the Awami League banned activities by announcing the verdict in the crime against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina and three other accused. 

Three days before this, incidents of cocktail attacks and arson on vehicles have been taking place in different parts of the country, including Dhaka. 

On Monday, the Awami League again held a programme on social media focusing on the verdict. 

Incidents of setting fire to buses and trains and explosions of cocktails have been taking place in different parts of the country, including Dhaka, surrounding this programme.

Four officers of the DMP's crime department told Daily Samakal that the message on the radio was - if someone tries to escape on a motorcycle by throwing a cocktail at the police, then they should be stopped even if they are shot. 

The situation that has arisen has also created a security risk for the field police.

A DMP official said that Section 96 of the Penal Code states that nothing done while exercising the right to personal defense is a crime.

Last week, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz ordered the shooting of armed terrorists. This sparked criticism.

The next day, the Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) expressed concern over the CMP Commissioner's decision in a press release.