Govt distances itself from IGP’s comments

PHQ, police association defend him; Zahed says PM to decide IGP’s fate

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir’s remarks do not reflect the government’s position.

“The government is firmly opposed to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and custodial deaths,” he told The Daily Star yesterday.

“The government is firmly opposed to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and custodial deaths.”

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed

Noting that the July uprising, which led to the fall of the Awami League regime, was aimed at establishing the rule of law, the minister said upholding that principle remained one of the government’s key commitments to the people.

Speaking at a programme on Monday, IGP Fakir said, “Wherever crossfire is necessary, if the government allows it, we will do that.”

The Police Headquarters later issued a clarification, saying the IGP had not intended to endorse extrajudicial killings. It said he had used the term “crossfire” in its “literal sense” while stressing firm action against drug traffickers, terrorists, extortionists and other criminals threatening public safety.

BNP acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the IGP’s remarks were “embarrassing” for the government and expressed concern that such comments were made at a time when the BNP, which had long opposed enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, was in power.

Rizvi, who also serves as the prime minister’s political adviser, made the comments while inaugurating a free medical camp outside the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, marking the 48th founding anniversary of Jubo Dal.

Asked why no action had been taken against the IGP, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Cultural Affairs Zahed Ur Rahman said Tarique Rahman, who is currently abroad, would decide the matter upon his return from Japan.

“The prime minister is not in the country. He will consider the matter himself. The government’s final position on this issue will be determined by the prime minister, perhaps after he completes his visit,” Zahed told reporters at the weekly press briefing at the Secretariat.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) has defended the IGP, saying an unfortunate choice of words can occur in public remarks but should not be construed as support for extrajudicial killings.

In a statement, the BPSA said Bangladesh Police conducts its activities in accordance with the constitution and the law, and that performing duties with firmness, impartiality and professionalism, without exceeding legal limits, is essential for maintaining public confidence.

It added that the IGP’s remarks could be seen as a call for the strict and uncompromising enforcement of existing laws, the proper exercise of police authority and a stronger role in combating crime and protecting public safety.

Speaking on the association’s defence, BPSA General Secretary Shamima Pervin, superintendent of police, Dhaka, said a poor choice of words can occur while speaking and should not be interpreted as support for extrajudicial killings.

“Our position is that police must act within the law to protect people’s lives and property,” she said. “Neither our statement nor the association endorses any action outside the law.”