Zero tolerance for crossfire, IGP’s remarks inappropriate: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir’s remarks on “crossfire” do not reflect the government’s position.

He said the government would not tolerate extrajudicial killings or deaths in police custody. It maintains “zero tolerance” for crossfire.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday (27 October) evening, the home minister said the IGP had made the remarks inadvertently while discussing strict enforcement of the law. “This was not right; he should not have said it,” he said.

Earlier, at an event in Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar on Monday, the IGP said police would resort to crossfire if necessary, provided the government gave permission. Referring to criticism of police use of force and inaction, he also called for an environment that would allow the force to carry out its duties.

The home minister made clear that the government does not want crossfire and will not allow extrajudicial killings. He said its position on the issue was extremely firm.

Salahuddin Ahmed described establishing the rule of law as the government’s main goal and improving law and order as a priority. He claimed that no crossfire deaths or deaths in custody had occurred so far under the current government. However, he said all necessary measures would be taken to curb crime and ensure proper enforcement of the law.

Earlier that afternoon, BNP Acting Secretary General and the prime minister’s political adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi criticised the IGP’s remarks while inaugurating a free medical service programme in Nayapaltan to mark Jubo Dal’s founding anniversary.

He said it was embarrassing for the government to hear the police chief speak of crossfire under a BNP government, given the party’s long struggle against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Various political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolan and AB Party, as well as human rights organisations, also criticised the IGP’s remarks.

Meanwhile, in a clarification on Monday evening, Police Headquarters claimed that the IGP had not used the word “crossfire” to mean extrajudicial killings or punishment outside the judicial process. It said he had used the term to convey strict enforcement of the law against criminals.