Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday directed field-level police officers to work sincerely for ensuring a safe and festive environment during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha celebrations.

The directive came on Tuesday during a virtual meeting chaired by the IGP from the Police Headquarters. The meeting was held to review the overall law and order situation in the country ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, where all Metropolitan Police Commissioners, Range DIGs, and District Superintendents of Police (SPs) were connected virtually.

The IGP also directed all police units, including Metropolitan Police, District Police, Highway Police, Railway Police, Tourist Police, River Police, and other specialized units to work in coordination during the Eid period.

The chief of police force also instructed his officers to ensure the smooth transportation of sacrificial animals, prevent forced redirection of animals from one market to another, and stop the setting up of cattle markets along highways.

Emphasising to take preventive measures against the circulation of counterfeit currency, snatching, and extortion, the IGP asked the officers to remain vigilant in maintaining security in markets and shopping malls.

Regarding the use of firearms, the top officer of Bangladesh police clarified that the authority to use weapons by police personnel is determined by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He emphasised that any police operations in the field must be conducted with safety in mind. Firearms have to be carried when necessary during patrols or operations in areas prone to armed criminal activity, extremism, or insurgency.

Additionally, the IGP instructed field officers to take legal action against licensed weapon holders who fail to submit their arms as per government directives.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Additional IGP (Admin) Md. Matiur Rahman Sheikh, Additional IGP (SB) Md. Golam Rasul, Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khondkar Rafiqul Islam, DIG (Operations) Md. Rezaul Karim, DIG (Confidential) Md. Kamrul Ahsan, and other concerned officials.