Name in FIR doesn’t necessitate immediate arrest; police will investigate before taking action: DMP Commissioner

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner, Md Mainul Hasan, has said that recording a case at a police station does not automatically necessitate the immediate arrest of the accused named in the FIR. He emphasized that arrests will be made based on the findings of thorough investigations.

In addition, he announced that cases will be filed concerning recent incidents in Dhaka, including killings of policemen, arson attack on police station, and looting of firearms.

These remarks were made during a meeting with members of the executive committee of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) at the DMP headquarters on Sunday morning.

“Criminal events never expire,” the DMP Commissioner asserted, adding, “There will be cases filed for the killing of police officers and the looting at the police stations.”

Addressing concerns about cases filed en masse and the inclusion of journalists’ names in FIRs, the DMP Commissioner clarified, “Just because a name appears in the FIR does not mean an immediate arrest is warranted. We will proceed with collective investigations before taking any action. Instructions have been issued accordingly, and all cases will be addressed based on thorough investigations.”

He also revealed that 177 police vehicles were damaged during the recent unrest, along with significant damage to various facilities. Restoration efforts are underway, and he assured that all police stations would resume normal operations within a couple of weeks.

Speaking on traffic management, he noted improvements, with traffic police now working late into the night. He expressed optimism that the situation would continue to improve gradually. Furthermore, the police are intensifying efforts to prevent muggings, with patrols and checkpoints already in operation.

The DMP Commissioner highlighted ongoing efforts to boost police morale, acknowledging the challenges posed by public demonstrations and blockades, which have caused significant traffic disruptions. He mentioned that police are working to address the issue of battery-operated rickshaws encroaching on main roads and are making efforts to clear streets and sidewalks of hawkers. He assured that the police are gradually returning to their regular duties.

He also mentioned ongoing operations to recover illegal firearms and apprehend criminals, with plans to intensify these efforts in the coming days.

The meeting was attended by CRAB President Kamruzzaman Khan, General Secretary Sirajul Islam, members of the executive committee, and senior DMP officials.