DHAKA: Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) director general Benazir Ahmed categorically said according to official guidelines law enforcers can open fire with a gun to defend self or to stop an imminent threat to life of others and state properties.

He came up with the observations while visiting the security measures at BG Press at Tejgaon area in city around 11:45pm on Wednesday.

He further said that the duties of law enforcers are clearly written on the guidelines. “Besides, actions of police or other law enforcing agencies are controlled by those guidelines, which clearly stated circumstances in which police can use firearms,” he added.

The RAB DG also said law enforcers need to judge the imminence of any threat, in respect to the potential for loss of life, with due regard to legislation and consideration of necessity, reasonableness and proportionality before shooting.

“No other special direction is necessary,” he added.

Asking people not to be panicked, he also said, “State is very powerful as people and government both forms it. No killing can frighten us.”

He also said that law enforcers will search out the killers even if the task is painstaking and bring them under trial.

BDST: 0944 HRS, NOV 05, 2015
SR