Multiple police officials confirmed the directive to the media on Wednesday night, August 13.
The order comes in the wake of an incident on Monday night in the Ishan Mistry Hat area of Chittagong, where Sub-Inspector (SI) Abu Sayeed Rana of Bandar Police Station was seriously injured. SI Rana was attacked and stabbed while attempting to disperse a procession of Awami League supporters. In response, Commissioner Aziz issued the directive to ensure the safety of police personnel.
In addition to the self-defense order, the Commissioner instructed all police units to carry firearms and live ammunition as per the operational guidelines in place before August 5, 2024. This includes mobile patrols, petrol teams, detective branch (DB) units, and checkpoint teams, all of whom are now required to carry weapons from the police armory during duty.
In the wireless message, Commissioner Aziz stated, “As per the firearm protocols before August 5, 2024, all mobile, patrol, DB, and checkpoint teams must carry weapons from the armory. No team will go on duty without firearms. Rubber bullets alone are not sufficient. My SI in Bandar was gravely injured. A slight deviation could have led to a major tragedy. If anyone faces a situation like the one SI Rana encountered, no officer should return without neutralizing the threat.”
He further clarified, “To put it plainly, if anyone brandishes a weapon—be it a firearm or a sharp object—in front of a police patrol, they will be shot immediately. There is no doubt about this. Under Sections 96 to 106 of the Penal Code, every police officer has the right to self-defense. The moment a weapon is drawn, shoot—aim for the head, chest, or back. Ensure the optimal use of government-issued ammunition.”
SI Abu Sayeed Rana, who was attacked on Monday night in the Ishan Mistry Hat area under Bandar Police Station, remains under treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Police sources reported that the two constables accompanying SI Rana during the attack were carrying shotguns but did not use them. Many police officers are reportedly hesitant to use their weapons due to the potential legal consequences, including facing legal proceedings if a shooting results in a fatality.
Mahmuda Begum, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of CMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, confirmed the directive, stating, “The Commissioner has instructed that if miscreants brandish weapons during any police operation, officers are to shoot in self-defense as per protocol.”
