Rajshahi police instructed to ‘show arrest’ leaders of ‘banned fascist organisations’ after bail if found active

Police have instructed their grassroots units to show arrest leaders and activists of banned organisations after they secure bail if they are found capable of reorganising and carrying out activities in the field, according to an official letter signed by the deputy inspector general (DIG) of Rajshahi Range.

The letter, obtained by The Business Standard, stated, “Leaders and activists of banned/suspended fascist organisations who, after being released on bail, are capable of strengthening, reorganising the party and demonstrating activities at the field level, must be shown arrested in other cases after their bail. Those who do not possess such characteristics do not need to be shown arrested for now.”

The instruction further said that existing laws and regulations must be followed while providing protocol and protection.

When contacted, the Bangladesh Police Headquarters did not make any official comment on the matter.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Rajshahi Deputy Inspector General Mohammad Shahjahan said the instruction did not mention any specific political party or organisation by name.

“We didn’t mention any specific political parties or organisations. As they’re already banned, we instructed our officials to nab or show them arrested in other cases if they try to destabilise the country again after getting bail,” he said.

“We didn’t mention anyone who is innocent or who hasn’t been involved in any activities after securing bail,” he added.