Bangladesh Police Headquarters has revised its clarification on Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir's "crossfire" remark, adding that he used the term metaphorically to convey strict law enforcement, not to refer to extrajudicial killings or punishment outside the judicial process.
In a second statement issued at around 8pm today (26 October), the headquarters said the IGP had used the term "crossfire" metaphorically while expressing the police force's commitment to taking effective action against criminals who threaten public safety.
An earlier clarification, issued at around 7:15pm, had also said the IGP did not use the term to mean extrajudicial killing. The second statement explicitly described the usage as metaphorical.
At the inauguration of Community Bank's Chawkbazar Islamic Banking Branch in Dhaka today, the IGP had said police would not hesitate to carry out crossfire if the government gave approval when necessary.
His remarks drew widespread discussion and criticism after being reported in the media, with domestic and international human rights organisations condemning and protesting the statement.
The Police Headquarters subsequently issued its clarification.
In the second statement, the headquarters said the IGP had expressed the police force's firm commitment to taking effective action against drug traders, terrorists, extortionists and criminals who pose threats to public safety. He used the term "crossfire" metaphorically to convey strict law enforcement, it added.
The statement also cited statistics on attacks against police personnel. According to the headquarters, 176 attacks on police occurred during the first 10 months of 2026 as officers maintained law and order, arrested criminals, prevented illegal activities, and performed official duties.
Four police personnel were killed and 370 seriously injured in those attacks.
The headquarters said crime prevention, arresting offenders, maintaining public order and protecting people's lives and property are among the police force's fundamental responsibilities. While carrying out these duties, officers sometimes face direct resistance and attacks from criminals, organised assailants and people who defy the law, it added.
The statement further said existing laws, particularly the Penal Code 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 and the Police Act 1861, recognise police officers' right to self-defence.
The headquarters also addressed the IGP's remarks about journalists at the same event. He had said journalists write against police when they do not receive a share of money from drug trafficking.
According to the statement, the IGP had not intended to make a sweeping comment about journalists, and the remark was made inadvertently.
The Police Headquarters reiterated its commitment to protecting people's lives and property and upholding the rule of law with professionalism and impartiality while respecting human rights.