Zero tolerance for ‘crossfire’ incidents; IGP’s remarks were inappropriate: Home Minister

Bangla Press Desk: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad has categorically rejected the remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir regarding ‘crossfire.’

He stated, “The government does not want ‘crossfire’; in fact, the government maintains a policy of zero tolerance toward it.” Noting that the IGP likely made the comments inadvertently, the Home Minister added, “This was not right; it should not have been said.”

On Monday, at an event in Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka, IGP Md. Ali Hossain Fakir remarked that ‘crossfire’ could be employed if necessary, provided the government grants authorization. He noted that when the police use force, some label them as ‘fascists,’ yet when they remain inactive, they are criticized as ‘weak.’ He emphasized that the police must be provided with an appropriate environment to carry out their duties in maintaining law and order.

Addressing this on Tuesday evening (October 27), Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad told the media, “He (the IGP) is a straightforward man. He likely misspoke inadvertently while discussing the strict enforcement of the law. This was not right; it should not have been said.”

The Home Minister firmly asserted that the government does not support ‘crossfire’ and, in fact, maintains a zero-tolerance stance on the practice. He emphasized that the government will not permit extrajudicial killings and remains extremely strict on this matter; it will not tolerate extrajudicial killings or custodial deaths (deaths while in police custody).

The Home Minister stated that the rule of law is the government’s primary objective, and the improvement of law and order is its top priority. He noted that, to date, no incidents of death via ‘crossfire’ or custodial death have occurred. Nevertheless, the government will take all necessary measures to curb crime and ensure the proper application of the law.

Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi—acting Secretary General of the BNP and political advisor to the Prime Minister—also commented on the issue while inaugurating a free medical service camp organized by Jubo Dal to mark its 48th founding anniversary, held in front of the BNP’s central office. He remarked that the IGP’s statements regarding ‘crossfire’ are embarrassing for the government. The acting secretary general of the BNP remarked that it is deeply concerning to hear the police chief speak of "crossfire"—especially while the BNP, a party that has long campaigned against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, is in power.

Following the statement made yesterday, Monday, by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir—who suggested that "crossfire" could be employed if authorized by the government—various political parties, including Jamaat, the NCP, Islami Andolon, and the AB Party, as well as several human rights organizations, expressed strong reactions and outrage.

Amid the criticism surrounding his remarks, the Police Headquarters issued a clarification on Monday evening. It stated that the IGP did not use the term "crossfire" to refer to extrajudicial killings or the infliction of punishment outside the judicial process; rather, he used the term to signify a strict approach to law enforcement against criminals.

Bp/Sp