Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir has remarked that "crossfire" will be conducted if necessary, provided the government gives permission. He made this statement while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of 'Community Islamic', the Islamic banking service of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC, in Old Dhaka's Chawkbazar on Monday afternoon.
The IGP said that when police use force, one faction labels the police as "fascist", yet when the police remain inactive, they are called weak. He stated that an appropriate environment must be provided for the police to perform their duties in maintaining law and order. He said, "Where crossfire, if it is necessary, if the government allows, we will do just that."
Raising the context of police duties, Ali Hossain Fakir stated that attempts should not be made to blackmail the police. At the same time, he called upon everyone not to fall victim to blackmail. In his words, there is no alternative to the police in order to live in peace and harmony. Acknowledging the necessity of the police from the cradle to the grave, he stated that they must be given the opportunity to perform their duties in accordance with the law and the constitution.
The IGP further stated that who will come to power or when someone will return to the country are not matters of consideration for the law enforcement agencies. According to the law and the constitution, wherever and whenever any action is necessary, the police will take it.
He claimed that the police have not committed any human rights violations nor used unnecessary force. Highlighting the situation of the police after the July uprising, he said that at that time, police members were afraid to perform duties on the streets and did not dare to go anywhere. They are working day and night to advance the force from that condition.
The IGP emphasized adhering to the law and the constitution to maintain peace and discipline in society. He said that alongside taking action against crimes, if any police member gets involved in a crime, action must be taken against them as well. He urged everyone to cooperate with the police in maintaining law and order, and not to be confused by rumors and false information, but to verify the actual events.
The Inspector General of Police also commented that the collective cooperation of all is necessary to keep the country's law and order situation normal and to ensure economic progress.
