The government of Bangladesh has rejected any endorsement of extrajudicial killings following controversial remarks by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir regarding the use of crossfire operations. Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman clarified on Wednesday that the administration does not support such actions and indicated that Tarique Rahman, a senior political figure, will make a final decision on the matter after returning from Japan.

The controversy arose earlier this week when IGP Fakir stated that police could resort to crossfire, with government sanction, if necessary to maintain law and order and combat crime. The statement sparked immediate backlash from human rights organizations and political figures inside and outside Bangladesh. In response, Police Headquarters issued two clarifying statements: the first rejecting any association of the term "crossfire" with extrajudicial killings; the second explaining that the term was intended metaphorically to underscore the force’s firm stance against drug traffickers, terrorists, extortionists, and other threats to public safety.

Despite the police clarification, the remarks triggered protests from various factions. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, acting secretary general of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), expressed concern about the IGP’s comments, describing them as damaging to the government’s reputation and signaling unease within official circles. Speaking at a program in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, Rizvi emphasized that existing legislation is sufficient to address terrorism and criminal activity, and urged law enforcement agencies to function within the bounds of the law.

Rizvi further reflected on the country’s historical struggles against crossfire deaths, enforced disappearances, and other extrajudicial killings, noting that Bangladesh experienced a significant public uprising in July before the BNP ascended to power through a democratic election. He underscored public expectation for a humane administration under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, calling for honest and competent police officers to handle rising juvenile delinquency and crime in certain areas of Dhaka, without improper interference. Rizvi insisted that enforced disappearances and crossfire killings cannot serve as effective crime-control measures and underscored that proper legal enforcement remains the appropriate approach.

Separately, Adviser Zahed condemned what he described as politically motivated actions linked to the burial of freedom fighter Manik Pashari, calling such conduct around the funeral regrettable and disrespectful to the deceased. He also addressed recent vandalism in Rangpur involving the house of a young man accused of offending religious sentiments, attributing the incident to extremist groups asserting their influence. Authorities have responded by deploying police and taking action, Zahed said, with the government pledging to address such offenses firmly.

Zahed also commented on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to participate in virtual conferences from India, noting that Bangladesh remains displeased with her online engagements abroad and that the government’s stance on her remarks remains unchanged. In a wider political context, he encouraged the opposition to participate in the ongoing constitutional reform committee, stating that the government is concurrently working on proposals related to the July National Charter while noting areas of dissent.