Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali has asserted that law enforcement will not use force, including baton charges, to disperse protesters who have been staging frequent road blockades in the capital in recent months.
Instead, he has directed officers to adopt a softer approach by “humbly requesting” demonstrators not to obstruct traffic.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday (31 January) about security arrangements for the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, he further stated that police would ensure security at the venue during nighttime.
“Our officers will remain stationed in the control room overnight and monitor the entire premises,” he said.
Regarding traffic management this year, he announced that the road stretching from TSC to Doel Chattar would not be entirely closed.
Instead, access would be restricted only when necessary, keeping it open for traffic at other times.
No Baton Charges, Even Amid Clashes
Dhaka has been experiencing severe traffic congestion in recent months due to various protest movements.
When asked why the DMP has refrained from intervening, Sazzat remarked, “It is truly unfortunate. I have repeatedly urged people not to block roads, yet such incidents persist almost daily. We are not the British police. As Bangladesh’s police force, we cannot wield batons against our own people. I have instructed all my colleagues to refrain from baton charges entirely.”
He emphasised that even during clashes between Dhaka University students and students of the seven affiliated colleges, police refrained from using batons. Instead, they deployed tear gas shells and sound grenades to prevent bloodshed.
Denial of Baton Charges on Ebtedayee Teachers
When journalists raised concerns about police using batons against Ebtedayee teachers, allegedly in violation of his directive, the commissioner refuted the claim, asserting: “No baton charges occurred there.”
