SAPRAN has called on Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir to retract his reported remarks suggesting that police could carry out “crossfire” if necessary and authorised by the government, warning that such statements risk normalising extrajudicial killings.
According to media reports, the IGP made the remarks at an event in Dhaka on 26 October, saying, “If crossfire is necessary, and if the government allows it, we will do it.”
In a press release issued on Monday, SAPRAN said government authorisation cannot legitimise extrajudicial killings, stressing that Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution protect citizens’ legal rights, life and personal liberty.
The organisation said police must follow the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and accountability when using force. Citing United Nations principles, it emphasised that intentional lethal use of firearms is permissible only when strictly unavoidable to protect life.
Highlighting past human rights violations, SAPRAN cited published reports based on Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) figures showing that at least 1,926 people were killed in incidents described as “crossfire” or “gunfights” between 2009 and 2024.
Human rights organisation Odhikar recorded 3,135 victims of extrajudicial killings between January 2001 and September 2021.
SAPRAN said the 2024 mass uprising had raised public expectations for an accountable, rights-respecting police force, adding that meaningful reform must address institutional practices, political interference and accountability.
The organisation made four demands: withdrawal of the IGP’s remarks; a clear commitment from the government and police to prevent extrajudicial killings; independent investigations into past cases and justice for those responsible; and renewed dialogue among policymakers, political actors and civil society to implement police reforms with clear timelines and transparent monitoring.
SAPRAN said protecting human rights, ensuring accountability and reforming institutions are essential to rebuilding public trust in the police. It stressed that public safety cannot justify normalising extrajudicial killings.
