Fresh controversy has erupted over ensuring rule of law after the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rajshahi Range directed police to re-arrest leaders and activists of the banned Awami League as soon as they obtain bail in one case by showing them arrested in another.
In an official letter dated 24 February 2026 and signed by DIG Mohammad Shahjahan, all eight police superintendents under the Rajshahi Range have been instructed to implement the directive until further orders.
The letter states that leaders and workers of the “banned/suspended fascist organisation” who, after being granted bail, are capable of strengthening and reorganising the party and becoming active at the field level must be shown arrested (show arrest) in other pending cases. Those who do not possess such organisational capacity do not need to be rearrested for the time being.
The directive also reminds officers to strictly follow existing laws and regulations regarding protocol and protection.
The letter notes that the matter had already been communicated to the Superintendents of Police through a group message and describes the instruction as “extremely important and mandatory.”
The order applies to the eight districts under Rajshahi Range: Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, Pabna, Sirajganj, Bogura, and Joypurhat.
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When contacted by Bangla Tribune on Wednesday evening, DIG Mohammad Shahjahan defended the directive, saying: “Activity of leaders and activists of the banned organisation has increased in the Rajshahi region. Similar instructions have been issued for the arrest of militants and members of other organisations when there is strong evidence. However, my letter is being misrepresented by many. I issued it keeping in mind the need to maintain law and order. No action will be taken against those who are good.”
The letter was issued on the same day that Ali Hossain Fakir assumed charge as the new Inspector General of Police.
The development comes just days after the new government, which took office on 17 February, signalled a more flexible stance on the ban imposed on Awami League activities. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and several other senior leaders have spoken about reviewing or lifting the restrictions.
Activists say the Rajshahi DIG’s letter exposes the BNP government’s duplicity.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the government will review all cases filed after August 5, 2024, and has taken a positive position regarding the trial of those involved in the killing of police personnel. It is worth noting that BNP leaders themselves have previously admitted in various statements that their party workers were involved in some incidents of police killings and the filing of false cases.
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