Police to Act Against Banned Awami League Activities Based on Situation

Police have been instructed to take action against leaders and activists of the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned, depending on the circumstances. Field-level officers have been directed to arrest anyone found actively engaging in party activities. This information emerged after discussions with Police Headquarters, various ranges, and district police officials.

According to officials concerned, after the national election, leaders and activists of the banned party began resuming activities in different areas. There were reports of reopening closed offices and participating in various programs. Field-level officers were reportedly uncertain about how to respond in such situations. In response, Police Headquarters issued a clear directive on February 22 during a virtual meeting.

During that meeting, it was stated that no activities of any banned political organization would be allowed. Law enforcement officials were instructed to take legal action against anyone attempting to create disorder. Those actively involved in party operations have been ordered to be arrested.

Last Tuesday, Rajshahi Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mohammad Shahjahan issued a written directive in this regard. The letter instructed that leaders and activists of banned organizations who are released on bail — and who are capable of reorganizing and strengthening the party at the grassroots level — should be shown arrested in other pending cases. However, if individuals released on bail do not have such capacity or involvement in other cases, they need not be re-arrested immediately.

The directive was sent to the Superintendents of Police in eight districts under Rajshahi Range. The following day, three individuals who had secured bail in separate cases were shown arrested again.

The letter later circulated on social media, sparking debate and criticism. Some have questioned the legal grounds and justification of such instructions.

When asked about the matter, DIG Mohammad Shahjahan stated that no specific party name was mentioned in the directive. He explained that if law enforcement has information linking a released individual to another case, they are required to show that person arrested in that case. If no such information exists, no re-arrest is ordered.

He also mentioned that the letter was issued following higher instructions, though senior officials at Police Headquarters did not clarify the exact source of the directive or whether such formal instructions were issued centrally. However, it is known that, at times, informal instructions have been given to re-arrest individuals suspected of potentially causing unrest after securing bail.

Additional Inspector General (Administration) AKM Awlad Hossain said that the Rajshahi DIG would be best positioned to explain the letter. He added that since the party’s activities are banned, its leaders and activists are not permitted to carry out any programs. If they attempt to do so, legal action will be taken accordingly.