Crossfire Comments by Bangladesh Police Chief Draw Criticism
Dhaka, October 27: Comments by Bangladesh's senior-most police officer about the possible use of 'crossfire' by law enforcement have become the subject of intense debate. Critics warn that the remarks could legitimise unlawful killings and weaken constitutional protections.
The statement came from Inspector General of Police Mohammad Ali Hussain Fakir, who was addressing a gathering in Dhaka on Monday afternoon as the chief guest. He said that if circumstances required it and the government granted permission, law enforcement personnel could use firearms. A leading national daily reported his words as, "Wherever firing is necessary, if the government permits, we will do so."
The remarks have prompted concern over the growing normalisation of extrajudicial killings and the potential erosion of the rule of law in the country.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has condemned the comments and asked the government to obtain a formal explanation from the IGP. The anti-corruption body wants him to withdraw the statement, issue an unconditional public apology, and face administrative accountability. It has also called for his removal from office until the matter is resolved.
Iftekharuzzaman, TIB's executive director, asked whether the police chief was invoking the discredited practice of crossfire to conceal the force's failure to maintain law and order. He further questioned whether attempting to justify extrajudicial killings through government approval was an admission that crime could not be tackled through legal methods.
According to him, the police must carry out professional investigations, identify offenders, and bring suspects to trial based on credible evidence. He argued that promoting gunfire as an option would not address institutional weaknesses and would instead demonstrate professional bankruptcy.
He also noted that the IGP, in the same statement, had emphasised acting in accordance with the law and the Constitution. At the same time, he had indicated that police would resort to firing if the government approved. Describing these two positions as contradictory, Iftekharuzzaman said that no extrajudicial killing could be validated by a government's sanction.
"Legal protections guaranteed under Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution, along with the rights to life and personal liberty, cannot be bypassed by executive decisions," he said. "Regardless of the seriousness of an accusation, the police have no authority to kill anyone by ignoring due process."
The Awami League has also voiced strong opposition to the remarks. It stated that such comments from the country's highest police officer raise serious concerns about human rights, constitutional safeguards, and the rule of law. It added that the right to life, fair legal procedure, and equal protection under the law must remain secure for every citizen, whatever their political affiliation or the allegations against them.