Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over recent remarks made by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), who stated that police would not hesitate to engage in “crossfire” to maintain law and order if permitted by the government.
To uphold human rights and the rule of law, the anti-corruption watchdog demanded an immediate retraction of the statement, a public unconditional apology, and administrative accountability from the IGP.
TIB also called for his removal from office until such accountability is ensured.
In a press release issued on Monday, TIB stated that presenting extrajudicial killings—commonly referred to as crossfire—as an acceptable tool for crime control, rather than addressing institutional weaknesses, demonstrates a blatant disregard for the constitution and human rights.
‘GOVERNMENT PERMISSION CANNOT LEGALIZE EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS’:
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, highlighted that claiming to act under the law while simultaneously proposing extrajudicial killings subject to government approval is entirely contradictory.
He stressed that no executive permission from any government can grant legal validity to extrajudicial killings.
Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution guarantee every citizen’s right to the protection of the law and the right to life and personal liberty.
TIB emphasized that regardless of the severity of an offense, police have no authority to bypass judicial process and take a life. The primary duty of law enforcement is to ensure justice through professional investigation, and promoting crossfire instead reflects institutional bankruptcy.
PAST ABUSES AND SERIOUS WARNINGS:
Citing judicial convictions in high-profile cases—such as the murder of Major Sinha, the killing of Teknaf Councilor Ekramul Haq, and the Seven Murder case in Narayanganj—TIB recalled how extrajudicial measures in the past led to widespread extortion, torture, and criminal abuse of power by law enforcement personnel.
At a time when public expectations for police reform are high, such statements from the police chief risk acting as an implicit green light for illegal force on the ground.
TIB also pointed out a policy inconsistency: while the Law Minister recently affirmed that the government would rely strictly on existing legal frameworks to combat terrorism without resorting to crossfire, the IGP’s conflicting stance creates serious policy confusion.
THREAT TO INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM AND LEGAL BOUNDARIES:
TIB also criticized generalized allegations made against journalists regarding critical reporting, noting that specific claims of wrongdoing should be handled through due legal process.
Sweeping accusations against the press undermine independent journalism and weaken public oversight.
Under international standards, police force must remain strictly lawful, necessary, and proportionate, with lethal force permissible only in strictly unavoidable circumstances to protect life.
TIB urged the government to take decisive administrative action regarding the IGP’s comments to safeguard constitutional rights and reinforce the rule of law.