Bangladesh government rejects extrajudicial killings after police chief’s remarks

Bangladesh’s government does not support extrajudicial killings, information and broadcasting adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Oct. 27, following criticism of remarks by the country’s police chief.

The Business Standard reported that Zahed said prime minister Tarique Rahman would decide on the matter after returning from Japan. No disciplinary decision was announced in the report.

Inspector general of police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir had said police would resort to crossfire if the government permitted it. His Oct. 26 remarks drew condemnation from human rights organizations.

Police Headquarters subsequently said Fakir had not meant extrajudicial killing or punishment outside the judicial process. A revised clarification described his language as metaphorical.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) had demanded withdrawal of the statement, a public apology, and his removal, according to the newspaper’s earlier report.