‘Crossfire’ in metaphorical sense, remark on journalists was inadvertent: Police Headquarters

Police Headquarters has given an explanation of the remarks given by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir regarding ‘crossfire’ and journalists. The organisation has informed that the IGP used the word ‘crossfire’ in a metaphorical sense to mean the strictness of law enforcement. And his remark regarding journalists was inadvertent.

Police Headquarters has given this explanation in a press release published on Monday (October 26) evening.

The press release has said that the IGP spoke about the firm commitment of police to take effective measures against drug traders, terrorists, extortionists and criminals who pose a threat to public security. To mean the strictness of law enforcement he mentioned the word ‘crossfire’ in a metaphorical sense. He did not use the word in the sense of extrajudicial killings or giving punishment outside the judicial process.

In the explanation of the IGP’s remark regarding journalists, Police Headquarters has informed that confusion has been created over his statement given in the same programme. In reality he did not want to make any blanket remark about journalists. The remark was made inadvertently.

Drawing attention to the various news and headlines published in the media regarding ‘crossfire’ after the IGP’s statement at the inauguration programme of the Chak Bazar Islamic Banking branch of Community Bank in Chak Bazar of the capital, the press release has said that this explanation has been given to clarify the matter and remove confusion from the public mind.

Police Headquarters has informed that Bangladesh Police is the main law enforcement agency of the state. Suppressing crime, arresting criminals, maintaining public order and ensuring the security of people’s lives and property are the basic responsibilities of police. While performing these responsibilities, police members sometimes have to face direct resistance or attack from criminals, organised attackers and law violators.

The press release has further said that in the first 10 months of 2026, 176 incidents of attack on police have taken place while maintaining law and order of the country, arresting criminals, preventing illegal activities and performing government duties. Four police members have been killed and 370 have been seriously injured in these attacks, Police Headquarters has informed.

Regarding the right of self-defence of police, the press release has mentioned the Penal Code-1860, Code of Criminal Procedure-1898 and Police Act-1861.

At the end of the press release it has been said that Bangladesh Police is committed to performing duties with professionalism and neutrality in protecting the lives and property of the people and establishing the rule of law while upholding human rights.