IGP's 'crossfire' remark was not right, government's position is zero tolerance: home minister
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has disagreed with the comment on 'crossfire' by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir. He said the government does not want crossfire, and the government's position on such incidents is 'zero tolerance'.
The home minister made the remarks while speaking to the media on Tuesday evening.
On the IGP's statement, Salahuddin Ahmed said the IGP made the comment inadvertently while speaking about strict enforcement of the law. It was not right, and such a statement should not have been made, he said.
Earlier, on Monday, at an event in Chawkbazar in Dhaka's old town, IGP Md Ali Hossain Fakir said that if the government permitted it, 'crossfire' would be carried out if necessary. He also commented that when police use force one side calls the police fascist, and when they remain inactive they are labelled weak. At the same time, the IGP stressed giving police a suitable environment to carry out their duties in maintaining law and order.
After his statement, various political parties and human rights organisations reacted and expressed anger.
The home minister said the government will not accept extrajudicial killings in any way. Likewise, the government will not tolerate deaths in police custody. The government is in a strict position on this matter, he said.
He also said establishing the rule of law and improving the law and order situation are the government's main priorities. Necessary steps will be taken to suppress crime and ensure proper enforcement of the law.
