A writ petition has been filed with the High Court challenging the legality of a directive issued by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) requiring prior approval from senior officials before making arrests in cases related to the anti-discrimination movement.

Supreme Court lawyer Md Jasim Uddin submitted the writ, confirmed lawyer Mahbubur Rahman Khan on Sunday (April 20).

The High Court is yet to schedule a hearing on the writ.

On April 9, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) issued the order mentioning that officers must obtain prior approval from higher authorities before making any arrests in cases related to the killings and other atrocities during the mass uprising.

According to the directive, sufficient evidence must be presented before arrests can be made.

The official order highlighted that many of the cases filed post-uprising involve numerous individuals, and investigators must have reliable proof before detaining anyone named in the FIR (First Information Report) or identified during their inquiries.

The evidence required includes victim statements, eyewitness accounts, video or audio footage, photographs, or call records.

BDST: 1438 HRS, April 20, 2025
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