CMP chief instructs to keep SMGs in burst-fire mode when facing armed criminals

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz has instructed patrol and station-level police to keep submachine guns (SMGs) in burst-fire mode while facing armed criminals, as part of heightened security measures following a series of daylight shootings in the city.

Multiple CMP sources confirmed that the commissioner issued the verbal order through wireless messages between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM on Tuesday. 

The directive followed a recent incident on November 5 in Khondkarabad area under Bayezid Bostami Police Station, where listed criminal Sarwar Hossain Babla was killed in a shooting during a campaign event of BNP candidate Ershad Ullah for Chattogram-8 constituency. The MP candidate was also injured in the attack.

According to police officials familiar with the wireless transmission, the commissioner said, “No shotguns, no Chinese rifles—only SMGs, set to brushfire mode.”

In addition to SMGs, patrol teams have been instructed to carry shisha shotguns, two gas guns, and 9mm pistols for team in-charges. The number of permanent checkpoints in the city has been increased from seven to thirteen.

The commissioner also reminded officers of their right to self-defense under the Penal Code, assuring them that he would take full responsibility for the orders.

Asked about the directive, CMP Commissioner Hasib Aziz told reporters, “Yes, I have given clear orders to shoot and neutralize armed terrorists on sight. I expect my force to carry out these instructions. We cannot allow Chattogram to become a safe haven for criminals.”

He added, “When gunmen can open fire in public during an election campaign, killing one person and injuring a candidate, it becomes a serious concern. Citizens are living in fear. A city cannot have police and still feel unsafe. That’s why we are withdrawing shotguns and Chinese rifles from patrol units and replacing them with Chinese automatic submachine guns. Armed terrorists will be fired upon immediately. Checkposts have also been reinforced.”

While sections of Chattogram’s civic community have welcomed the strict order as a strong stance against lawlessness, others have warned of potential misuse of force and risks to unarmed civilians. Critics cautioned that such a “shoot-on-sight” policy could lead to extrajudicial actions and excessive use of police power.