The IGP’s crossfire remark has been clarified by Police Headquarters, which said on Monday that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir used the term literally to describe strict law enforcement. It was not meant, the statement said, to suggest extrajudicial killings or any form of punishment outside the judicial process.
The clarification followed media reports and headlines about comments made by the Inspector General of Police earlier the same day at the inauguration of an Islamic banking branch of Community Bank in Chawkbazar, Dhaka. Police Headquarters said it issued the statement to address public confusion.
What the Inspector General of Police Said
According to Dhaka Tribune, the IGP told the gathering that the police face criticism whichever way they act. He said that using batons against people draws the label of a fascist force, while remaining passive draws the label of a weak one. He argued that the police therefore needed an enabling environment in which to work and must be empowered. He also said that the police could resort to what he described as “crossfire” if the government authorised it.
The remarks prompted concern among rights groups, as the term is widely associated in Bangladesh with killings that take place during police custody or operations and are later described as the result of an exchange of fire.
Rights Groups React to the IGP’s Crossfire Remark
The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) expressed concern and condemned the statement. The organisation called on the government to clarify the comments of the IGP and to state its position on extrajudicial killings.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) also condemned the remarks. It demanded their withdrawal and called for accountability for the IGP, adding that statements contradicting the declared position of the government against extrajudicial killings should be answered for.
Police Headquarters Explains the Context
In its clarification, Police Headquarters said the IGP had reaffirmed the commitment of the force to taking effective action against drug dealers, criminals, extortionists and others who threaten public safety. It described Bangladesh Police as the principal law enforcement agency of the country, responsible for preventing crime, arresting offenders, maintaining public order and protecting lives and property.
The statement noted that police personnel sometimes face direct resistance and attacks from criminals, organised groups and individuals who defy the law while they carry out their duties. To illustrate the point, it cited figures showing that 176 attacks on police personnel were reported in the first 10 months of this year. These occurred while officers were maintaining law and order, arresting criminals, preventing illegal activities and performing official duties. Four police personnel were killed and 370 were seriously injured in those attacks, according to the statement.
Legal Basis Cited for Self-Defence
Police Headquarters also pointed to existing law in explaining the intent behind the IGP’s crossfire remark. It referred to the Penal Code of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1898 and the Police Act of 1861 as laws that recognise the right to self-defence of police officers. The clarification therefore presented the remark as a reference to lawful action taken when officers are confronted with violence, and not as an endorsement of killings outside the law.
Comment on Journalists
The statement also addressed confusion over what the IGP said about journalists at the same event. Police Headquarters said he had not intended to make sweeping remarks about the media and that the comments were made inadvertently.
IGP’s Crossfire Remark: Commitment to Rule of Law
Closing its statement, Police Headquarters said Bangladesh Police remained committed to protecting the lives and property of people and to upholding the rule of law. It said the force would continue to perform its duties professionally and impartially, with respect for human rights.
Whether the explanation will satisfy the organisations that criticised the remark remains to be seen. HRSS had asked the government itself to state its position, and TIB had sought a withdrawal and accountability, so the clarification from Police Headquarters addresses the meaning of the words but not those wider demands. Dhaka Tribune’s report did not indicate any response from the government at the time of publication.
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