No mandate for crossfire

The government cannot authorise extrajudicial killings, and police officers are not obliged to obey unlawful instructions even if they come from the authorities, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Cultural Affairs Zahed Ur Rahman have said, distancing the government from the police chief’s controversial remarks on “crossfire”.

Home Minister told that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir’s statement suggesting that police could conduct crossfire with government permission did not represent the government’s position.

Zahed, speaking at the government’s weekly press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, said no government could lawfully order police to carry out such killings and that officers could not execute an unlawful order.

The two statements came amid controversy over the IGP’s remarks at a programme in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar on Monday, where he said: “Wherever crossfire is necessary, if the government allows it, we will do that.”

Salahuddin said the government was firmly opposed to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and deaths in custody.

The July mass uprising, which brought down the Awami League government in August 2024, had taken place to establish the rule of law, he said, adding that upholding it was the government’s commitment to the people.

Zahed said the police chief had subsequently acknowledged the problem with his remarks and stepped back from his original position.

“Through his subsequent explanation, he acknowledged that his remarks were problematic and stepped back from that position,” the adviser said.

Asked whether an explanation was sufficient to absolve the IGP of responsibility, Zahed said he believed it could be, as the police chief had not maintained his original stance.

“However, let me say again, when someone does not stick to their stance, are we being a bit too unkind to him?” he said.

Zahed added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was currently in Japan and would consider the government’s final position after returning from his visit.

Following the controversy, Police Headquarters clarified that the IGP had not intended to endorse extrajudicial killings or punishment outside the judicial process. It said he was referring to firm action against criminals within the law.

The Bangladesh Police Service Association also defended the remarks, describing them as a call for firm and uncompromising enforcement of the law.

It said police officers should be able to exercise their lawful powers, including the right of private defence, without unnecessary hesitation.

The association said police personnel had faced 176 attacks so far this year, leaving four officers dead and 370 seriously injured.

However, its statement did not address the IGP’s reference to government permission for crossfire.

Under Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution, no person can be deprived of life except in accordance with law.

The government has no authority to permit extrajudicial killings under the label of crossfire.

Bangladesh has a long history of deaths reported by law enforcement agencies as crossfire or gunfights.

The practice became widespread after the BNP-led government established the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in 2004 and continued under the military-backed caretaker administration in 2007-08 and the Awami League government from 2009 to 2024.

According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 2,957 people were killed in alleged crossfire or gunfights involving law enforcement agencies between 2004 and September 2026.

The BNP’s 31-point state reform programme pledges to end enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and bring those responsible for deaths described as crossfire to justice.

At the same briefing, Zahed addressed other issues, including the possible return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

He said she would have to face justice if she returned to Bangladesh, but would not be subjected to mob violence or other unlawful treatment. Any proceedings would take place in accordance with the law.

Commenting on the obstruction of a freedom fighter’s burial, he said available information suggested that a political party had been involved.

Describing the incident as deeply regrettable, he said those responsible would face the consequences.

On concerns over the rise of fundamentalism and the far right since the 2024 uprising, Zahed said the government was taking the developments seriously.

Referring to the killing of a person in Satkhira over allegations of defaming religion, he said strict measures had been taken and some incidents had been prevented through prior intelligence operations.

“The government takes action on those that you do see. This means the government is not indulging these, nor will it do so,” he said.