JMBF demands an independent investigation, accountability and protection of the right to life following the IGP’s reported remarks.
According to the cited news report, the IGP made the remarks on 26 October 2026 while attending the inauguration of “Community Islamic,” the Islamic banking service of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC, in Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka.
Coming from the country’s highest-ranking police officer, these remarks raise grave concerns about the safety of people facing arrest or detention. JMBF demands that the IGP explain his statement, withdraw any suggestion of support for extrajudicial killings and publicly reaffirm his duty to uphold the Constitution.
For families whose loved ones have been detained or killed, the word “crossfire” carries fear and grief. No family should have to wonder whether a relative in police custody will survive to appear before a court. People need assurance that officers entrusted with protecting life will respect that responsibility.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), stated, “Behind every person in custody is a family waiting for news and reassurance that their loved one is safe. Hearing the head of the police speak about ‘crossfire’ can deepen that family’s worst fears. His words carry authority throughout the force, and he must make clear that no officer has permission to kill outside the law."
He further added, “We know that people want safety and that victims of crime need justice. They deserve proper investigations, protection and answers they can trust. Killing a suspect cannot deliver that justice. We demand an independent investigation into these remarks and accountability for anyone found to have ordered, facilitated or committed an unlawful killing, regardless of rank or political protection.”
The Constitution Sets Clear Limits on Police Power
Articles 31 and 32 of Bangladesh’s Constitution guarantee protection of the law and safeguard life and personal liberty against unlawful deprivation. Article 35(3) guarantees an accused person’s right to trial before an independent and impartial court or tribunal, while Article 35(5) prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
No executive instruction can override these protections. Describing a planned unlawful killing as “crossfire” does not change its legal character or excuse those responsible.
A criminal allegation does not extinguish constitutional rights. Police must establish the facts through lawful investigation and present evidence before a competent court. Neither suspicion nor public pressure can justify executing a suspect.
Police officers can face serious danger while protecting the public. Their use of force must nevertheless remain lawful, necessary and proportionate. Intentional lethal force must be strictly unavoidable to protect life; it must never be used to punish someone or avoid arrest and trial.
The IGP’s Remarks Require Independent Scrutiny
The IGP bears particular responsibility for ensuring that officers understand and respect the limits of their authority. His reported remarks risk being interpreted as a signal that unlawful violence may be acceptable if political approval is secured.
The government must address that risk directly. Authorities should preserve and examine the complete recording, establish the precise context of the statement and determine whether any related operational instructions, preparations or actions followed.
An independent investigation must establish the facts without prejudging individual criminal responsibility. It must also be capable of examining senior officials and any chain of instructions without interference.
Extrajudicial killings can deprive victims of crime of the answers they have waited for. They may destroy potential evidence, conceal the involvement of other perpetrators and leave families with unresolved questions. Credible investigations and fair trials are essential to securing justice for everyone affected.
Bangladesh Must Uphold International Human Rights Standards
Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life, while Article 7 prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials state that intentional lethal use of firearms may be made only when strictly unavoidable to protect life.
Bangladesh’s authorities must fulfil their treaty obligations and ensure that policing follows these standards. Political approval or instructions from a superior cannot excuse unlawful killing.
JMBF Calls for Immediate Action
JMBF urges the Government of Bangladesh to:
1. Publicly reject extrajudicial killings. State unequivocally that no authority will permit fabricated encounters, planned “crossfire” killings or other unlawful uses of lethal force.
2. Require the IGP to explain and withdraw the reported remarks. Ensure that he issues clear instructions reaffirming constitutional safeguards and prohibiting unlawful killings.
3. Establish an independent investigation. Examine the complete statement and determine whether any related instructions, preparations or actions occurred.
4. Protect people at risk and preserve evidence. Safeguard threatened individuals, complainants and witnesses, and secure relevant recordings, communications and operational records.
5. Prevent interference. Take appropriate measures to ensure that implicated officials cannot intimidate witnesses, destroy evidence or implement unlawful instructions.
6. Ensure accountability. Where evidence establishes criminal responsibility, bring proceedings against those responsible, regardless of rank or political influence, with full respect for fair-trial guarantees.
7. Publish the findings. Provide a timely public account of the investigation’s conclusions and corrective measures while protecting witnesses and the integrity of judicial proceedings.
Public confidence depends on what the authorities do next. People must be able to report crimes, cooperate with investigations and see relatives taken into custody without fearing that police power will be used to end a life outside the law.
In Solidarity,
Mst. Jannatul Ferdous
Assistant Secretary General
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
CNB premises
180 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France
Email: info@jmbf.org | Website: www.jmbf.org
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JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan international human rights organization registered in France under the French Association Law of 1901 (Registration No. W931027714), committed to defending human rights, promoting social justice, and empowering marginalised communities in Bangladesh and beyond. JMBF is officially registered in the European Union Transparency Register (REG No. 0635235105176-78).
