Bangladesh's Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Monday triggered a sharp national backlash after publicly stating that law enforcement personnel may resort to 'crossfire' if circumstances demand it and the government grants permission. The remarks, made at an event in Dhaka, have drawn condemnation from civil society groups and political parties alike, reigniting fears over the normalisation of extrajudicial killings in the country.

What the IGP Said

Speaking as chief guest at a Dhaka event, IGP Fakir was quoted by The Daily Star, Bangladesh's leading English-language newspaper, as saying: 'Wherever crossfire is necessary, if the government allows it, we will do that.' The statement came in the same address where the IGP also spoke of discharging duties in accordance with the law and the constitution — a contradiction that critics were quick to highlight.

Civil Society Condemns the Remarks

Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) issued a sharp rejoinder, urging the government to seek a formal explanation from the IGP, ensure he retracts the statement, issues an unconditional public apology, and is held administratively accountable. TIB also called for his removal from office pending accountability proceedings.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said: 'Is the police chief seeking to use the discredited practice of crossfire as a shield for the police's failure to maintain law and order? Does seeking to legitimise extrajudicial killings by making them conditional on government approval amount to an admission of failure to combat crime through lawful means?'

He stressed that the police are mandated to conduct professional investigations, identify offenders, and bring the accused to trial based on admissible evidence. 'Presenting crossfire as an alternative cannot resolve institutional weaknesses; rather, it is an example of professional bankruptcy,' Iftekharuzzaman said.

Constitutional and Legal Concerns

Iftekharuzzaman further pointed out the internal contradiction in the IGP's own remarks, noting that constitutional protections cannot be overridden by executive decisions. 'No government approval can legitimise an extrajudicial killing. The rights to legal protection and to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Articles 31 and 32 of the constitution cannot be set aside by executive decisions. Regardless of the seriousness of an allegation, the police have no authority to kill anyone by bypassing due process,' he said.

Political Reaction

Bangladesh's Awami League also sharply criticised the remarks, stating that such a statement from the country's highest-ranking police official raises grave concerns about human rights, constitutional safeguards, and the rule of law. 'No government permission can legitimise an extrajudicial killing. The right to life, due process, and equal protection under the law must be upheld for every citizen, regardless of political affiliation or accusation,' the party said in a statement.

Broader Context

The controversy comes at a time when Bangladesh has faced recurring scrutiny over alleged extrajudicial killings linked to law enforcement operations. Rights groups have long documented 'crossfire' incidents — a local euphemism for alleged encounter killings — as a pattern of abuse. The IGP's statement, critics argue, risks emboldening such practices and signalling institutional tolerance for bypassing due process. How the government responds to the mounting pressure for accountability will be closely watched.