Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali said today that officers are legally permitted to use firearms in situations involving arson or crude explosive attacks, stressing that such actions follow existing laws rather than personal orders.

“This is the country’s law. I don’t create laws — that is Parliament’s responsibility. The legal framework already explains what powers the police have. I haven’t issued any new directive; I simply reminded my officers of what the law already provides,” he said while speaking to reporters at the opening of the Detective Branch’s Cyber Support Centre in Ramna.

Referring to recent unrest, he said, “After August 5, I saw elderly citizens — some as old as eighty — guarding their neighbourhoods with sticks. If our officers lose morale, people may once again have to defend their own homes. Those who try to undermine police confidence must stop.”

He noted that the force has slowly been recovering its morale thanks to public support.

On November 16, Sajjat Ali had sent a wireless message instructing police to open fire if anyone attempts to burn vehicles or throw crude bombs in a way that threatens lives. His remarks today came in response to the mixed reactions circulating on social media regarding that message.

The commissioner said that helping victims of online harassment — especially women, teenagers and other vulnerable users — remains a key responsibility of the police. However, he added that digital security cannot depend solely on law enforcement; it requires awareness and caution from individuals, families, schools and the larger community.

He also criticised the conduct of some protesters at Dhanmondi-32, urging people not to show hostility toward police officers. “When my officers stepped in to prevent chaos, what kind of treatment did they receive? It was truly regrettable,” he said.

He further expressed concern over the recent assault on an officer, who was injured by a crude explosive near a police station yesterday.

“This kind of incident shatters the morale of my officers, and ultimately both the public and the police suffer because of it,” he added.