IGP's 'crossfire' remarks inappropriate: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday rejected Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir's remarks on "crossfire", reaffirming the government's zero-tolerance policy towards extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths.

Talking to the reporters, he said the IGP, known for speaking candidly, had made the remarks inadvertently while discussing strict law enforcement. What the IGP said was wrong and he should not have said it, the home minister added.

Citing the absence of any crossfire incidents or custodial deaths under the current administration, he stressed the government's commitment to the rule of law and crime prevention.

Meanwhile, BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called the remark embarrassing for a BNP-led government after fighting enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. He said this at Jubo Dal's 48th anniversary medical camp outside the BNP central office.

The IGP’s remark also outraged rights groups, Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and the Amar Bangladesh Party despite Police Headquarters clarifying he meant tough policing, not extrajudicial punishment.

Source: Prothom Alo