After repeated shootings in the port city, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Habib Aziz has directed police officers to keep SMGs in "burst-fire mode" and use them to neutralise any armed terrorists encountered.

This afternoon, in a verbal order issued to all CMP personnel, the commissioner instructed patrol units and operation units.

At least five officers from CMP's four zones confirmed to The Daily Star that the wireless order came in several phases between 12:30pm and 1:00pm today, saying that the CMP commissioner has ordered that there should be no shotguns and no Chinese rifles. Now, SMGs will be kept in burst-fire mode, they cited the directive.

Patrol teams were instructed to carry -- in addition to SMGs -- a pellet-firing shotgun, two teargas guns, and for the team in-charge to carry a 9mm pistol.

The commissioner also ordered that permanent checkpoints be increased from seven to 13.

When asked about the wireless order, the CMP commissioner told The Daily Star, "These [SMGs] are not for unarmed civilians. We will not use SMGs on anyone who does not have a weapon."

"This directive is meant for armed terrorists -- those carrying weapons. In my area [Bayezid's Chalitatoli], they came in and committed murder. I don't want them to have the audacity to do this again. These armed terrorists enter Chattogram city to carry out such acts. This measure is being taken so that they won't even dream of attempting it," he said.

Answering another question, the CMP commissioner said, "I assure you this is not aimed at Awami League men who stage quick marches or flash processions in the city. We will arrest them and hand them over to the court as per the law. I didn't tell officers to use SMGs on unarmed AL people. Don't misinterpret this."

"We are doing this to stop the notorious terrorists, who have killed people in Bayezid Bostami. Armed terrorists will be shot dead," the CMP commissioner said.

"Groups like Sazzad Bahini, Yasin Bahini, Burma Saiful, and others who open fire -- for them SMGs will remain in burst-fire mode," the commissioner said.

On November 5, Sarwar Hossain Babla -- a listed top criminal -- was gunned down by armed men during an election campaign of BNP's nominated candidate for Chattogram-8 Ershad Ullah in Chalitatoli area. Ershad was also injured in the shooting.

Fifteen cases, including extortion, arms possession, and murder, had been filed against Sarwar.

The next day, another person was shot in the same area, creating panic in the locality.

The prime suspects in the recent shootings and murders are still at large.

According to police, armed men from nearby hill areas have repeatedly entered the port city to carry out such attacks and later fled.

Earlier, on August 13, after a procession by Chattogram's Chhatra League in the port area and an attack on police, the CMP commissioner had become the subject of discussion for ordering police to open fire as soon as armed men were spotted.