Pvt security men to serve as auxiliary police force

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said on Saturday that private security personnel stationed in residential zones, markets, and shopping malls will from now on serve as 'auxiliary police force' and will be given the authority to make arrests.
"Private security personnel posted at shopping malls and in residential areas could act as police with the power to arrest to ensure security during the month of Ramadan," he told the media at a press briefing at DMP Media Centre at Mintoo Road in the city.
The DMP chief said that the decision was made under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Act. "Today is the 7th day of Ramadan. In the evening, devotees attend mosques for Taraweeh prayers, which last one-and-a-half to two hours. During this time, many city alleys become deserted as men, in particular, participate in these prayers. We urge you to take responsibility for ensuring security at your homes, flats, and shops during this period," he said.
"As Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, I request that when you return to your hometowns for Eid, you ensure the security of your houses, flats, shops, and business establishments on your own. We are here to support you, but we face a shortage of police personnel," he said.
"Many of our officers will also take leave, as they deserve time off too. Those stationed in barracks have been away from their families for extended periods, and the government mandates that a percentage of them be granted leave," he continued.
He further said ," Shopping centres will stay open late at night during this period. Under the authority of the Metropolitan Police Act, I have the power to appoint auxiliary police forces in shopping malls, markets, and gated residential areas".
"Accordingly, I have designated private security personnel as auxiliary police officers. They will wear armbands identifying them as 'auxiliary police officers," he said. He clarified that these auxiliary officers will have the legal authority to perform police duties, including making arrests, and will receive the same legal protections as regular police officers.
DMP Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md. Nazrul Islam, Additional Police Commissioner (Detective Branch) Rezaul Karim Mallick, Joint Commissioners Rabiul Islam (DB) and Mohammad Nasirul Islam, Ramna Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam, and DMP Media and Public Relations Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, were present, among others.
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