Staff Reporter :
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a directive instructing officers not to arrest individuals accused in anti-discrimination movement-related cases without sufficient evidence and prior authorisation from senior officials.
The directive, formalised in an official order signed by DMP Joint Commissioner (Crime) Md Faruq Hossain on Wednesday, 9 April, aims to ensure procedural compliance and prevent arbitrary detentions in sensitive cases.
According to the order, many First Information Reports (FIRs) filed in connection with the anti-discrimination movement name a large number of accused.
In such instances, the DMP has mandated that arrests may only be made when credible evidence-such as statements from victims, complainants or eyewitnesses, relevant video, audio, or photographic material, and call detail records-is available.
“It is hereby directed that no individual named in the FIR or identified during the course of investigation in cases linked to the anti-discrimination movement may be arrested without proper evidence and the approval of higher authorities,” the order states.
The directive has been circulated to all Deputy Commissioners within the DMP, Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of police stations, and relevant operational units, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based policing and hierarchical oversight.
The move comes amid growing scrutiny over arrests related to recent demonstrations, with rights groups and activists urging law enforcement agencies to uphold due process and ensure the protection of civil liberties.
