BanglaPress Desk: Various political parties and organizations have expressed condemnation and concern over remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir, who stated that the police would not hesitate to carry out "crossfire" (extrajudicial killings) if permitted by the government.
Demands have been raised for the immediate retraction of these remarks, an unconditional apology, and the removal of the IGP from his position.
Speaking at the inauguration of the "Community Islamic Bank System" in Old Dhaka on Monday afternoon, the IGP said, "It is our duty to take whatever action is necessary, in accordance with the law and the Constitution. If 'crossfire' becomes necessary, and the government grants permission, we will carry it out."
In its most recent election manifesto, the BNP described "crossfire" as a "brutal extrajudicial killing" and pledged to seek justice for such past incidents. Consequently, the IGP’s comments on "crossfire"—made just nine months into the current government's tenure—have sparked significant criticism.
Previously, during the nearly 15-year rule of the former Awami League government, law enforcement agencies faced widespread domestic and international condemnation for employing brutal tactics, including extrajudicial killings—often termed "crossfire"—as well as enforced disappearances and targeted assassinations. At that time, the United States even imposed sanctions on certain officials within the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
During a public outreach program in the afternoon, Hasnat Abdullah, a senior joint convener of the NCP, sharply criticized the IGP’s statement. He remarked, "This IGP Fakir—this 'thug' Fakir—is now saying that if the government gives permission, they will shoot people. This 'thug' IGP, who seeks to kill people through 'crossfire,' is a successor to the likes of 'DB Harun.' This IGP Fakir is a successor to Benazir; they are the legacy of the [previous] regime. By rehabilitating such individuals, the police force is being tarnished once again."
The 'Amar Bangladesh Party' (AB Party) has also condemned and protested against the IGP’s remarks. In a statement, the party’s Chairman, Mujibur Rahman Monju, and Secretary General, Asaduzzaman Fuad, remarked, “Government authorization does not legitimize the extrajudicial killing of any citizen. The exercise of state power must remain strictly within the bounds of the Constitution, the law, and human rights.”
The two top leaders of the AB Party have demanded an explanation from the government regarding the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) remarks.
In a separate statement, Gazi Ataur Rahman, Secretary General of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, said, “The comments made by Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir regarding ‘crossfire’ are alarming. His statement evokes memories of the police force during the era of the fallen fascist regime. We would like to believe that Ali Hossain Fakir made these remarks in a lighthearted manner—though, in such a position of significant responsibility, one cannot afford to make lighthearted comments.”
Protesting the IGP’s remarks, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) stated that the police chief’s comments send a dangerous message: rather than addressing failures in maintaining law and order or institutional weaknesses, they seek to establish extrajudicial killing as an acceptable tool for crime control.
TIB further described Ali Hossain Fakir’s remarks as an expression of utter contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law. The organization has demanded an immediate retraction of the IGP’s statement and has called for accountability, noting that his remarks contradict the government’s stated position against extrajudicial killings.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman questioned, “Is the police chief attempting to use the abhorrent practice of ‘crossfire’ as a shield for the force’s own failure to maintain law and order? Does seeking to legitimize extrajudicial killings—by conditioning them on government approval—not also amount to an admission of failure to combat crime through lawful means? The duty of the police is to conduct professional investigations, identify criminals, and bring the accused to justice based on admissible evidence.”
“Presenting ‘crossfire’ as an alternative is not a solution to institutional weakness; rather, it is an example of professional bankruptcy.” In the same statement, the IGP spoke of performing duties in accordance with the law and the Constitution, while simultaneously suggesting that 'crossfire' (extrajudicial killings) could be carried out with government authorization—these two positions are contradictory. No government authorization can legitimize extrajudicial killings. The rights to the protection of the law, as well as the right to life and personal liberty—guaranteed under Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution—cannot be nullified by an executive decision. Regardless of the gravity of an allegation, the police have no authority to kill anyone by bypassing the judicial process.
The Executive Director of TIB (Transparency International Bangladesh) further remarked that such 'reckless and imprudent' statements from the police chief could be perceived as a tacit endorsement for the use of unlawful force by officers on the ground.
Regarding the IGP’s allegation that journalists criticize the police because they were not paid, TIB stated, "If there are specific, evidence-based allegations of criminal conduct against any journalist, then legal action must be taken accordingly. Making sweeping, generalized accusations undermines the role of the free press in conducting oversight and ensuring accountability; it also risks discouraging independent journalism."
TIB has called upon the government to demand an explanation from the IGP, insist on an unconditional public apology and the retraction of his remarks, and ensure his administrative accountability. The organization has further demanded that he be removed from his position until such accountability is established.
In a separate statement, the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) expressed deep concern and condemned the IGP’s remarks.
The HRSS has demanded a clear and unequivocal explanation from the government regarding the IGP’s statement, asking, "Does the government consider extrajudicial killings to be permissible, or were these merely the personal views of the IGP? This must be clarified immediately."Furthermore, HRSS expects the government to take a clear stance against extrajudicial killings by law enforcement agencies and to commit to ensuring accountability.
BP/KJ
