The Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) has defended Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir's remarks, saying police must act firmly against crime within the limits of the law.
In a statement issued today (27 October), the association said the IGP's remarks should be understood as a call for appropriate action according to the situation, within the framework of existing laws and regulations, and for strengthening police officers' professional confidence and ability to perform their duties.
The statement came a day after the IGP said police would use "crossfire" if necessary, with government permission. "Wherever crossfire is necessary, if the government allows it, we will do that," he said at a programme in Dhaka's Chawkbazar marking the launch of Islamic banking services by Community Bank Bangladesh, of which he is the chairman.
Meanwhile, the IGP has already backtracked on his statement. The Police Headquarters, in a statement issued yesterday evening, clarified that the police chief did not use the term "crossfire" to mean extrajudicial killing or punishment outside the judicial process.
In today's statement, the police service association, however, did not directly clarify what the IGP meant by "crossfire."
The association said Bangladesh Police operates in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws, including the Penal Code, 1860; the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898; the Police Act, 1861; and the Police Regulations of Bengal.
It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding human rights, constitutional rights and accountability alongside the proper enforcement of these laws.
The statement said the tendency to view lawful police action negatively while treating inaction against crime as a sign of weakness could create uncertainty among officers working in the field.
Police personnel should perform their duties firmly, impartially and professionally without exceeding the limits of the law, it added.
The association also cited figures on attacks against police personnel. According to the statement, four police members were killed and 370 seriously injured in 176 attacks while on duty during the first 10 months of 2026.
It said the figures highlighted the need to ensure police personnel's safety and provide them with an appropriate working environment.
Referring to the right to private defence, the statement used the term "Right of Private Defense" and called for an environment in which officers could perform their duties without fear while complying with laws and regulations and maintaining impartiality and professionalism.
When asked whether the association's statement amounted to support for crossfire, BPSA General Secretary Shamima Parveen told The Business Standard that police would act in self-defence in accordance with constitutional and legal principles.
"We support the right to private defence," she said.
The association said maintaining strong law and order was essential for state stability and the normal continuation of economic activities.
It warned that undue hesitation in exercising lawful police powers could encourage criminals, disrupt law and order and undermine the effectiveness of state institutions.
It also said people expected the police to ensure the safety of life and property, suppress crime, and uphold justice, impartiality and accountability.
The statement concluded by describing the IGP's remarks as a timely call for the firm and uncompromising implementation of existing laws and regulations, effective action against crime, and stronger police capacity to protect public safety.