Police Headquarters also addressed confusion over the IGP’s comments about journalists at the same event

 
The Police Headquarters has clarified Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir’s remarks on “crossfire”, saying he used the term literally to describe strict law enforcement, not to suggest extrajudicial killings or punishment outside the judicial process.
 
In a clarification issued on Monday, police headquarters said it had taken note of media reports and headlines about the IGP’s comments at the inauguration of Community Bank’s Islamic banking branch in Chawkbazar, Dhaka, earlier in the day.
 
The clarification was issued to address public confusion, it said.
 
According to the statement, the IGP reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to taking effective action against drug dealers, criminals, extortionists and others who threaten public safety.
 
Bangladesh Police, the country’s principal law enforcement agency, is responsible for preventing crime, arresting offenders, maintaining public order and protecting people’s lives and property, the statement said.
 
It added that police personnel sometimes face direct resistance and attacks from criminals, organised groups and individuals who defy the law while carrying out their duties.
 
Police headquarters said 176 attacks on police personnel had been reported in the first 10 months of this year while they were maintaining law and order, arresting criminals, preventing illegal activities and performing official duties. Four police personnel were killed and 370 seriously injured in these attacks.
 
The clarification also cited the Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 and the Police Act, 1861 as laws that recognise police officers’ right to self-defence.
 
Police Headquarters also addressed confusion over the IGP’s comments about journalists at the same event, saying he had not intended to make sweeping remarks about them and that the comments were made inadvertently.
 
At the event, the IGP said: “If we beat people with batons, you will call us fascist police. If we remain silent, you will call us weak police. So, I must be given an environment to work in. We must be empowered.”
 
He also said police could resort to “crossfire” if the government authorised it.
 
Following the remarks, the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) expressed concern and condemned the statement. The organisation called on the government to clarify the IGP’s comments and state its position on extrajudicial killings.
 
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) also condemned the remarks, demanding their withdrawal and accountability for the IGP. It also called for accountability over statements that contradict the government’s declared position against extrajudicial killings.
 
In its clarification, police headquarters said Bangladesh Police remained committed to protecting people’s lives and property and upholding the rule of law while performing its duties professionally and impartially, with respect for human rights.