The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a directive restricting the use of mobile phones by on-duty police personnel, with the exception of team in-charges, in a bid to ensure heightened vigilance and more effective performance of their duties.
The order, signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali on Monday, comes amid growing concern that police officers’ use of mobile phones during duty hours has been affecting alertness and disrupting the smooth execution of their responsibilities.
Officials noted that such distractions could compromise both the safety of the officers themselves and the public, despite the visible presence of law enforcement personnel.
According to the directive, unit in-charges have been tasked with briefing their forces to ensure full compliance before deployment.
Any violation of the order will be considered a breach of discipline and handled in accordance with existing regulations.
The move also comes as authorities prepare for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections.
The DMP aims to maintain a peaceful environment, ensure law and order, and curb the activities of banned organisations during this sensitive period.
Commissioner Sajjat Ali emphasised that the measure is intended to strengthen operational efficiency and protect both the public and police personnel from potential risks arising from lapses in vigilance.