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Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and human rights organisation Odhikar have expressed concern over Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir’s remarks suggesting that police could resort to crossfire to maintain law and order if the government gave permission.
The remarks have sparked concerns among rights advocates about the possibility of legitimising extrajudicial killings and undermining the rule of law.
TIB strongly condemned the statement, saying extrajudicial killings could not be justified by government approval.
It called for the withdrawal of the remarks, an unconditional public apology and accountability for the police chief.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the police should conduct professional investigations, identify offenders and bring accused persons to trial on the basis of admissible evidence rather than presenting crossfire as an alternative to lawful crime control.
He also pointed to Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution, which safeguard legal protection and the right to life and personal liberty, saying these rights could not be set aside by executive decisions.
The rights watchdog urged the government to clarify its position on the IGP’s remarks and ensure accountability, including his removal from office until the matter is addressed.
The controversy arose after the IGP made the remarks at an event in Dhaka on Monday.
Police Headquarters later clarified that he had used the term “crossfire” figuratively to emphasise strict law enforcement, not to endorse extrajudicial killings or punishment outside judicial proceedings.
