NCP anger over IGP's crossfire remarks, demands his removal
The National Citizen Party (NCP) has condemned and expressed anger over remarks by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir about introducing crossfire or extrajudicial killings if necessary with government permission. In a statement on Monday, 26 October, the party demanded the IGP's immediate removal.
In the statement signed by party office secretary Sadia Farzana Dina, the NCP said such remarks by the police chief are contrary to the rule of law and the constitution and a dangerous attempt to again legitimise human rights violations and extrajudicial killings.
The statement said no extrajudicial killing can ever be legitimised even with government approval or permission.
The NCP noted that the ruling BNP, in point 14 of its 31-point state repair outline, had said enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings would be ended. The party said the remarks by an IGP appointed under their government contradict that pledge.
The statement said that for more than 15 years a culture of extrajudicial killings, disappearances and state repression was introduced using state machinery, and the mass uprising of students and people in 2024 took place to end it.
The party said invoking 'crossfire' to hide failure to maintain law and order is a sign of institutional bankruptcy. Such remarks will encourage unlawful use of force among field-level police members and open a new path to human rights violations, the statement said.
The statement also said the police administration is not bound to carry out unlawful government orders, and that this is clearly stated in Bangladesh's Penal Code and Police Act.
To establish the rule of law and protect human rights, the NCP demanded the immediate formation of a 'Police Commission' along the path described in the July Charter, to free the police force from unlawful practices and turn it into a people-friendly and accountable institution.
