PM to decide on IGP’s remark: Zahed
Photo: PID
Following demands to remove IGP Md Ali Hossain Fakir over his controversial remarks regarding “crossfire” and journalists, Prime Minister’s Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Tarique Rahman will decide on the matter upon returning to the country.
He made these remarks on Tuesday at a regular press conference held at the Secretariat. However, he added that since the IGP has backed away from his statement, the matter should end here.
On Monday, Fakir said if the government permits, they would even engage in crossfire. Criticizing media personnel, he noted that unless they receive drug money, journalists write that the “police are ineffective.”
Human rights organizations protested his remarks. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) demanded his removal, while journalists’ organizations called on the IGP to publicly apologize.
Following this, Police Headquarters issued a statement clarifying that the IGP said the word “crossfire” while attempting to explain the strictness of law enforcement. He did not use the word in the sense of extrajudicial killings, and his remark regarding journalists was made unintentionally.
Zahed noted, “This should no longer be a subject of discussion. Police Headquarters has given an explanation. He has explained his statement. Through his explanation, he made it clear that he did not mean it. He did not own it.
“He has backed away from his statement. His statement was miscommunicated. He has provided an explanation, so there is no longer any room for confusion.”
Highlighting the government’s position against extrajudicial killings, Zahed said, “If extrajudicial killings occur, then the state ceases to exist. That cannot happen in a democratic state.
“The government cannot want crossfire. Neither can the police do it. Employees of the republic are not obligated to perform any illegal act.”
Journalists wanted to know what decision would be made regarding the IGP if Ishraque Hossain had to lose his position due to displaying weapons during an anti-drug operation.
In reply, Zahed added, “There is no decision yet. The PM is not in the country. He will consider it. Whatever the government’s decision will be in this regard, he will certainly consider it. That will happen after his Japan trip.”
