Dhaka, Sep 13 (V7N) – Authorities have directed law enforcement to avoid arresting government officials and employees in cases related to the recent student movement without concrete evidence.

This instruction followed the inaugural meeting of the law and order advisory council. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a letter to Police Headquarters on September 8, which was followed by another letter, signed by DIG (Confidential) Kamrul Hasan, on September 10, and sent to various police units.

Since the Dr. Muhammad Yunus-led interim government assumed office after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime last month, hundreds of cases have been lodged, implicating a wide range of individuals, including current and former officials, politicians, activists, and journalists. The regime change followed weeks of violent protests, resulting in over 700 deaths in July and August, according to official reports.

Sources reveal that many of these cases involve mass accusations, prompting widespread criticism. In response, the advisory council emphasized that no one should be harassed through arbitrary case filings.

During the meeting, two key decisions were made: first, government officials and employees should not be detained without substantial evidence in cases filed by the families of those who died or were affected by the uprising; second, if initial investigations fail to implicate individuals, their names should be cleared from such cases.

A source at Police Headquarters confirmed that these decisions have been communicated to all police unit heads, with instructions to submit updated reports by September 22.

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