Ain o Salish Kendra demands an immediate explanation from the government, a formal review of the police chief’s remarks and an unequivocal commitment against extrajudicial killings.
TBS Report
26 October, 2026, 06:55 pm
Last modified: 26 October, 2026, 06:56 pm
The Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has strongly condemned and expressed concern over Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir's remarks that police would carry out crossfire killings if authorised by the government, saying the statement contradicts the rule of law, constitutional rights and fundamental human rights principles.
In a statement issued today (26 October), the human rights organisation said such remarks were unacceptable from an official holding the highest position in the law enforcement hierarchy.
Neither the state nor law enforcement agencies have the right to kill anyone extrajudicially, even if the person is accused of a crime, it said.
According to ASK, the police are responsible for preventing crime in accordance with the law, arresting suspects, conducting impartial investigations and bringing them before the courts.
Suggesting the possibility of extrajudicial killings in the name of law enforcement cannot be considered responsible policing, the organisation added.
ASK said the remarks raised serious questions about the professionalism and accountability of law enforcement agencies and their commitment to fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities. It also said the statement fell short of the professional restraint and responsibility expected of someone holding the position of IGP.
Citing Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution, ASK said the fundamental law guarantees legal protection and safeguards the right to life and personal liberty.
Under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture (CAT), the state is responsible for protecting the right to life, preventing torture and ensuring justice, the organisation said.
No government directive or authorisation can override these constitutional and international obligations, it added. Allegations of criminal offences must be resolved through lawful judicial proceedings, not through the immediate decisions of any law enforcement agency.
ASK also said the IGP's remarks were clearly inconsistent with the current government's election manifesto pledge to end extrajudicial killings.
The organisation expressed deep concern that the possibility of crossfire killings was being raised at the highest level of the police instead of the government fulfilling its commitments to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights.
The state's responsibility is to maintain law and order and combat crime through lawful means while safeguarding citizens' lives, it said.
ASK demanded an immediate and clear explanation from the government regarding the IGP's statement. It also called on the government to unequivocally declare that extrajudicial killings would neither be authorised nor tolerated.
In addition, the organisation called for a proper institutional review of the remarks, necessary action and clear instructions requiring law enforcement agencies to perform their duties in accordance with the Constitution and international human rights standards.