Mall guards to act as police, granted arrest powers

Dhaka Metropolitan City’s markets and shopping malls remain open late into the night during Ramadan and Eid, but a shortage of police personnel has prompted a new security measure.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has appointed an "Auxiliary Police Force" to ensure safety in various residential areas, shopping malls, and markets across the capital.

Private security personnel stationed in residential zones, markets, and shopping malls will now serve as part of this "Auxiliary Police Force" and will be granted the authority to make arrests.

This decision was made under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Act, according to DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali.

The announcement came during a press conference held at the DMP Media Center on Saturday afternoon, March 8.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner Ali noted, "Today is the 7th day of Ramadan. In the evening, devotees attend mosques for Tarawih 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 securing your homes, flats, and shops during this period."

Addressing the upcoming Eid holidays, he added, "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. 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."

Commissioner Ali further explained, "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 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.

Present at the press conference were 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, among others.