IGP’s crossfire remarks reflect disregard for Constitution, rule of law: TIB
TIB Urges Action Over IGP’s Crossfire Comments
Bdbusinessdaily.com – Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said IGP s crossfire remarks reflect a disregard for constitutional protections and the rule of law. The organisation urged the government to act after Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir made comments suggesting that crossfire could be used to maintain law and order.
In a statement issued on 26 October, TIB called on the police chief to withdraw the comments and issue an unconditional public apology. It also sought administrative action, including removal from office, pending proper accountability.
Call for Lawful and Professional Policing
TIB warned that the comments could create the impression that extrajudicial killing is an acceptable response to crime. It said the proper role of law enforcement is to prevent offences, investigate allegations credibly, identify suspects and place evidence before the courts.
The organisation’s executive director, Iftekharuzzaman, questioned whether crossfire was being presented as a solution to failures in maintaining public order. He said police must perform their duties professionally and within the limits of the law.
“No government approval could legitimise an extrajudicial killing.”
TIB said IGP s crossfire remarks reflect a troubling attempt to make unlawful force appear acceptable through executive approval. According to the organisation, government permission cannot override constitutional rights or legal procedure.
Constitutional Guarantees and Use of Force
Referring to Articles 31 and 32 of Bangladesh’s Constitution, TIB said every person is entitled to the protection of law, life and personal liberty. These safeguards remain applicable regardless of the seriousness of an allegation, it said.
The group stressed that police powers are not unlimited. Any use of force must be lawful, necessary and proportionate to the circumstances, while intentional lethal force can only be justified when no other practical means of protecting life is available.
TIB argued that effective crime control depends on lawful investigations and judicial decisions, not on actions outside due process. IGP s crossfire remarks reflect concerns that officers could interpret the message as approval for illegal force, potentially damaging public trust in policing.
Past Cases Raise Questions About Accountability
Iftekharuzzaman referred to convictions of police officers in the murder case of Sinha and convictions of former Rapid Action Battalion officials in the Narayanganj seven-murder case. He said such cases demonstrate the serious consequences of misusing official power.
He also mentioned the death of Teknaf municipal councillor Ekramul Haque in what was described as a gunfight. The case drew widespread questions after his family released an audio recording and alleged that he had been deliberately killed.
TIB said allegations connected to past crossfire incidents have included extortion, torture and unlawful killings. It questioned whether law enforcement institutions had learned sufficient lessons from those incidents at a time of high public expectations for reform.
Government Position Must Be Clear
The organisation noted an apparent inconsistency with a statement by the law minister on 14 September, when the minister said the government would not use crossfire against terrorism because existing laws were sufficient to address the threat.
TIB asked the government to clarify its policy and explain any difference between that position and the police chief’s comments. It renewed its demand for a formal explanation, withdrawal of the remarks and an unconditional public apology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did TIB ask the government to do? TIB asked for the remarks to be withdrawn, for an unconditional public apology and for appropriate administrative action to ensure accountability.
Why did TIB cite Articles 31 and 32? The organisation said these constitutional provisions protect access to legal protection, life and personal liberty, and cannot be set aside through an executive decision.
What does TIB say is needed for lasting public safety? TIB said public safety requires professional policing, credible investigations, transparent accountability and decisions based on evidence through the judicial process.