Salahuddin Ahmed says government firmly opposes extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and custodial deaths

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has told the journalists that the police chief’s remarks about conducting “crossfire” with government permission did not represent the government’s position.
 
 
The government was firmly opposed to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and custodial deaths, he said.
 
Ahmed said the July mass uprising, which toppled the Awami League government in August 2024, had taken place to establish the rule of law. Upholding this principle is the government’s commitment to the people, he added.
 
Yesterday, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir said at a programme in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar, “Wherever crossfire is necessary, if the government allows it, we will do that.”
 
Police Headquarters subsequently clarified that the IGP had not intended to endorse extrajudicial killings or punishment outside the judicial process. It said he was referring to firm action against criminals within the law.
 
The Bangladesh Police Service Association also issued a statement, saying the IGP’s comments should be understood in the context of existing laws and regulations.
 
The association described his remarks as a timely call for firm and uncompromising enforcement of the law. It said officers should be able to exercise their lawful powers, including the right of private defence, without unnecessary hesitation.
 
The association said police personnel had faced 176 attacks so far this year, leaving four officers dead and 370 seriously injured.
 
The statement did not address the IGP’s reference to government permission.
 
Under Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution, no person can be deprived of life except in accordance with law. The government has no authority to permit extrajudicial killings in the name of “crossfire”.
 
Bangladesh has a long history of deaths described by law enforcement agencies as “crossfire” or “gunfights”.
 
The practice became widespread after the BNP-led government established the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in 2004. Such killings continued under the military-backed caretaker administration in 2007-08 and the Awami League government from 2009 to 2024.
 
According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 2,957 people were killed in alleged crossfire or gunfights involving law enforcement agencies between 2004 and September 2026.
 
The BNP’s 31-point state reform programme pledges to end enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and bring those responsible for killings in the name of crossfire to justice.