Home minister rejects IGP’s remarks on crossfire

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Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has rejected Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir’s remarks on “crossfire,” saying the government does not support such killings and maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards extrajudicial deaths.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday evening, the home minister said the IGP had made the remarks inadvertently while discussing the strict enforcement of law.

“He is a simple and straightforward person. While speaking about strict enforcement of the law, he made the remark inadvertently. It was not right and should not have been said,” the minister said.

He firmly reiterated that the government would not allow extrajudicial killings or deaths in custody, adding that it would take a strict stance against such incidents.

The rule of law is the government’s main objective, while improving law and order remains a top priority, he said. No incidents of crossfire deaths or deaths in custody have occurred so far, according to the minister.

He added that the government would take all necessary measures to combat crime and ensure the proper enforcement of the law.

Earlier, speaking at an event in Chawkbazar in Old Dhaka on Monday, IGP Md Ali Hossain Fakir said police would carry out “crossfire” if necessary, provided the government gave permission.

He said police were labelled fascist when they used force and weak when they remained inactive, stressing that law enforcement agencies needed a suitable environment to perform their duties in maintaining law and order.