In response to the recent student-led uprising, the government has issued a directive prohibiting the arrest of officials and employees without concrete evidence.
The decision was made during the first meeting of the Advisory Council on Law and Order.
On 8 September, a letter outlining this directive was sent from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the police headquarters.
Subsequently, on 10 September, a letter signed by DIG (Confidential) Kamrul Hasan was dispatched to various police units.
Sources reveal that while initial leniency was shown towards the students protesting against quota reforms, the law enforcement agencies later resorted to excessive force.
According to official estimates, over seven hundred lives were lost during the July-August period.
Following the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina under the pressure of the student-led movement on 5 August, she fled to India.
On 7 August, an interim government was formed under Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Since then, numerous cases have been filed implicating former and current law enforcement officials, politicians, activists, and journalists.
It has been reported that many cases involve mass accusations against individuals, prompting widespread criticism across the country. In response, the advisory panel has assured that no one will be harassed in connection with these widespread cases.
During its initial meeting, two decisions were reportedly made: one, that no government officials should be arrested in connection with the student uprising cases without concrete evidence, and two, that names of officials or individuals involved in killings or other crimes during the July-August upheaval should be withdrawn if the preliminary investigation does not establish their involvement.
Sources at the police headquarters confirmed that the Advisory Committee's decisions have been communicated to all unit heads within the police force.
Additionally, updates on these matters are to be submitted to the police headquarters in report form by 22 September.
