CMP Caught in Controversy over Leaked Wireless Order
Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz has instructed officers to open fire immediately upon seeing armed assailants. The directive came after an officer of Bandar Police Station was critically injured in an attack by Awami League activists. The order, issued via wireless communication, was video-recorded. Once the footage spread on social media, senior police officials in Chattogram found themselves in an awkward position.
In response, multiple CMP officers have launched efforts to identify who recorded the video. They are scrutinizing various angles to determine how and from where the footage was captured, as well as how it was circulated online.
A Deputy Commissioner (DC)-ranked officer admitted that the leakage of such confidential communication has shaken the force. “This message was leaked by someone within CMP, perhaps out of resentment toward the commissioner. Such actions make it increasingly difficult to carry out our duties. That is why we are working to identify the culprit,” he said.
Another senior officer explained that this was not the first instance of wireless messages being leaked. “Wireless messages were leaked once recently as well. This latest directive essentially favored police officers, but its exposure to the public still sends a negative message. After this incident, senior CMP officials are now hesitant to issue sensitive instructions over wireless,” he observed.
The incident followed events on the night of August 11, when Awami League activists and affiliates staged a demonstration at Saltgola Crossing near Ishan Mistri Hat. Police promptly arrived at the scene, but Sub-Inspector (SI) Abu Sayeed alias Rana of Bandar Police Station sustained severe injuries in the attack.
Subsequently, on the night of August 12, Commissioner Hasib Aziz issued an oral directive over wireless to all CMP members:
“According to the authorization that existed before August 5, 2024, mobile patrols, detective branch teams, and all other forces will carry arms. No patrol party, mobile unit, detective team, or checkpoint team will go out without firearms and live ammunition. No one will leave without live ammunition. Officers must be armed, equipped with ammunition, and in uniform before going on duty.
Only rubber bullets are proving insufficient. One SI at Bandar has already been seriously injured. If another incident occurs, it could be fatal. In such situations, patrol parties must not return without results. If anyone draws a weapon in front of the police, I repeat, whether it is a sharp weapon or a firearm—once a weapon is drawn, there will be firing, without doubt. I am telling everyone: every police officer has the right to personal self-defense under Penal Code Sections 96 to 106. Before being struck or shot, if a weapon is drawn, there will be firing. The use of government-issued ammunition must be ensured in the best possible manner.”
The leaked video shows the message being recorded from inside a building. In the three-minute, nine-second clip, a person can be seen holding a walkie-talkie. CMP investigators believe that identifying the tiled floor visible in the video may help trace the individual responsible for the recording.
