IGP signals ‘crossfire’ option to curb crime if govt allows

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir today (26 October) said police would not hesitate to resort to “crossfire” to curb crime if the government allows the measure.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Community Islamic Bank System in the capital’s Chawkbazar area, the IGP said police are essential to maintaining peace and security. 

“Just because we have freedom does not mean we can do whatever we want,” he said.

He urged people not to take the law into their own hands. He also cautioned against routinely blaming the police for every incident.

The IGP raised concerns about the spread of drugs in neighbourhoods. He also cited allegations that some police personnel and members of the activities-banned Awami League are involved in the drug trade.

He mentioned that 27 police personnel have been sent to jail over drug links in the past two months.