Home Minister Rejects IGP’s ‘Crossfire’ Remarks, Says Government Has Zero Tolerance for Extrajudicial Killings
Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has rejected Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir’s recent remarks on “crossfire,” saying the comments were inappropriate and made inadvertently. He stressed that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards extrajudicial killings and deaths in police custody.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday (October 27) evening, Salahuddin said the government had no intention of allowing crossfire incidents and would not tolerate extrajudicial killings under any circumstances.
“The government does not want crossfire; rather, it has zero tolerance for such incidents. He is a straightforward person and made the remark inadvertently while discussing the strict enforcement of the law. It was not right, and he should not have said it,” the home minister said, referring to the IGP.
Salahuddin reiterated that preventing extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths remained a firm government position. He said establishing the rule of law and improving the country’s law and order situation were among the government’s key priorities.
The minister also claimed that no crossfire incident or death in custody had occurred so far. He added that the government would take all necessary measures to combat crime and ensure the proper enforcement of the law.
The controversy began on Monday when IGP Md Ali Hossain Fakir spoke at an event in Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka. He said that police would resort to “crossfire” if the government gave permission when necessary. He also argued that police faced criticism both when they used force and when they remained inactive, stressing the need to create an appropriate environment for law enforcement officers to perform their duties.
The IGP’s comments drew criticism from political parties and human rights organisations, triggering debate over the government’s position on extrajudicial killings.
On Tuesday afternoon, BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi described the police chief’s remarks as embarrassing for the government.
Speaking at a free medical service programme organised to mark the 48th founding anniversary of Jubo Dal in front of the BNP’s central office, Rizvi said the comments had raised concerns within the party.
He pointed out that the BNP had long campaigned against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, making the police chief’s reference to crossfire particularly troubling while the party was in power.
Several political organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh and the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), also reacted to the IGP’s remarks. Human rights organisations raised concerns as criticism continued to mount.
Amid the controversy, Police Headquarters issued a clarification on Monday evening. According to the statement, the IGP had not used the term “crossfire” to mean extrajudicial killing or punishment outside the judicial process. Instead, the statement said, he had intended to convey a tougher approach to law enforcement against criminals.
The home minister’s response has since reinforced the government’s stated position against extrajudicial killings, as the debate over the police chief’s remarks continues to draw political and public attention.
Source: Prothom Alo
