IGP draws flak over ‘crossfire’ comment

Flood of calls for retraction, public apology

Opposition political parties, rights organisations and journalist bodies yesterday sharply criticised Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir over his comments suggesting police could use “crossfire” if authorised by the government.

They demanded an explanation from the government, called for accountability and urged the police chief to withdraw the remarks and issue an unconditional public apology, arguing that his comments undermined the constitution and the rule of law.

Earlier in the day, while speaking at a programme organised by Community Bank in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar, the IGP said police would enforce the law in line with the constitution. “But wherever crossfire is necessary, if the government allows it, we will do that,” he said.

The IGP further said, “When journalists are no longer getting money from drug dealers, they write that the police have become ineffective in the country. Why? We have not violated human rights or used unnecessary force in maintaining law and order in Bangladesh.”

The comments triggered immediate backlash.

In a statement, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said the IGP had violated the responsibilities of his office by making such remarks.

Recalling the previous Awami League government’s tenure, Zubair said “Citizens had no security of life and property and no freedom of speech. People were killed without trial. Citizens were picked up by people identifying themselves as members of law enforcement agencies and subjected to killings, crossfire and enforced disappearance.”

He alleged that the IGP had threatened and hinted at a return to the same practices. “We hope the government will take appropriate action,” he said.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman also condemned the remarks, describing them as alarming and reminiscent of law enforcement practices under the previous regime.

“Someone holding such an important position could not afford to speak that way,” he said in a statement.

NCP lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah said the comments were damaging the image of the police force at a time when officers were attempting to restore public confidence.

“In any civilised country, he would not have remained IGP after making such remarks,” Hasnat said at a programme.

RIGHTS GROUPS SLAM IGP

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) described the statement as “a dangerous message” that appeared to legitimise extrajudicial killings as a tool of crime control instead of addressing shortcomings in law enforcement.

In a statement, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the remarks reflected disregard for the constitution and the rule of law. He demanded that the IGP withdraw and explain the comments and be held accountable.

Police are responsible for conducting professional investigations, identifying suspects and bringing cases to court based on admissible evidence, he said, adding that presenting “crossfire” as an alternative reflected institutional weakness rather than a solution.

Such comments, he warned, could be interpreted as an implicit licence for unlawful use of force by officers in the field.

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) called the remarks unacceptable and inconsistent with the principles of the rule of law, constitutional rights and human rights.

“No state authority or law enforcement agency has the right to kill a citizen extrajudicially, even if that person is accused of a crime,” the rights group said in a statement.

ASK also argued that the remarks contradicted the government’s pledge to end extrajudicial killings.

The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) said linking the possibility of extrajudicial killings to government approval raised serious concerns about justice, the rule of law and human rights.

“A person’s right to life and justice cannot be taken away merely because they are accused of a crime,” it said.

Odhikar said the comments were tantamount to granting law enforcers a licence to carry out extrajudicial killings. 

The rights group said it had documented five alleged extrajudicial killings since the BNP-led government assumed office and demanded withdrawal of the remarks and accountability.

Mayer Daak, a platform representing families of enforced disappearance victims, said the country’s history of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and deaths in custody made such remarks particularly alarming. 

In a statement, the platform demanded an immediate clarification from the government and an unequivocal commitment against extrajudicial killings.

Meanwhile, Dhaka Reporters Unity and the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh separately condemned the IGP’s comments about journalists. They demanded that he withdraw the remarks and issue a public apology within 24 hours, warning of tougher action otherwise.

PHQ ISSUES CLARIFICATION

Following the widespread criticism, Police Headquarters (PHQ) issued a clarification in the evening, saying the IGP did not intend to endorse extrajudicial killings.

In a press release, PHQ said the police chief had used the term “crossfire” in its “literal sense” while emphasising firm action against drug traffickers, terrorists, extortionists and other criminals threatening public safety.

“He did not use the term ‘crossfire’ to refer to extrajudicial killings or punishment outside the judicial process,” the release said.

PHQ also said the IGP’s comments about journalists were inadvertent and were not intended as a sweeping remark about the media.

The statement concluded by saying that police remained committed to protecting human rights, safeguarding life and property, and upholding the rule of law with professionalism and impartiality.