DMP Discourages Mobile Use by On-Duty Officers to Ensure Election-Era Vigilance
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a directive cautioning police officers against using mobile phones while performing duty within Dhaka city. The move is aimed at maintaining law and order, ensuring a peaceful environment ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, and preventing activities of banned organizations.
The instructions were announced through an office order signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali on Monday, 10 November.
According to the circular, concerns have recently been raised over police personnel browsing mobile phones while on duty, which has reportedly hampered vigilance and disrupted operational focus. As a result, despite the visible presence of police, adequate security for both officers and the public is not being ensured.
The directive states that, under the current circumstances, and in order to maintain a fair environment for the upcoming election, uphold normal law and order conditions, and effectively prevent activities of banned groups, only the officer-in-charge (in-charge) on duty is permitted to use mobile phones. All other deployed personnel are instructed to refrain from using mobile phones while performing field duties.
Any violation of this order will be treated as misconduct, and disciplinary action will be taken as per regulations. Unit heads have been instructed to brief their forces on this matter prior to deployment.
Confirming the directive, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, stated that the instruction does not imply a complete restriction on receiving or making necessary calls. “The objective is to ensure that officers on the ground remain focused and attentive to their responsibilities,” he said.
The directive follows recent incidents where banned Awami League leaders and activists have reportedly staged flash processions in Dhaka and other districts surrounding the party’s call for a ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program on 13 November. On Monday alone, seven crude bomb explosions were reported in four locations in Dhaka, occurring despite police presence. The order aims to enhance responsiveness in such situations.
On 9 November, the Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that there was “no cause for concern” regarding the Awami League’s programs, noting that the party's activities remain prohibited and that the military will be deployed to maintain stability.
DBTech/DP/AS/OR
