Rights body Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed serious concern over a recent directive by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) commissioner instructing officers to open fire with submachine guns (SMGs) in burst-fire mode upon encountering suspected armed criminals.

"Such orders directly encourage extrajudicial killings, which violate the Constitution, the rule of law, and international human rights standards," ASK said in a statement today.

According to media reports, after repeated shootings in the port city, CMP Commissioner Hasib Aziz has directed police officers to keep SMGs in "burst-fire mode" and use them when facing armed terrorists. He gave this verbal instruction simultaneously to patrol and police station officers via wireless communication yesterday afternoon.

ASK reminded all concerned that Articles 31 and 32 of the Bangladesh Constitution guarantee citizens the right to life and legal protection. Issuing orders to kill or shoot suspected criminals without due legal process is unacceptable under any circumstances, it said.

The organisation urged the government to take immediate and appropriate action in response to these statements.

It also called for law enforcement officials to be properly instructed to uphold human rights and constitutional responsibilities.

"The government must make it clear that extrajudicial killings or orders to shoot are incompatible with the state's policies and legal framework," the statement added.

ASK said it firmly believes the primary duty of the state is to protect the life and dignity of its citizens.

The CMP commissioner's remarks contradict responsible administrative conduct and undermine fundamental principles of justice and human rights, it said.

ASK demanded that these statements be withdrawn immediately; otherwise, such orders or attitudes may lead to loss of life and extrajudicial incidents in the future, which would be undesirable for a democratic state and the rule of law.