BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday stated that the Inspector General of Police’s recent remarks regarding the reinstatement of crossfire have caused unease within the administration.
Speaking at the inauguration of a free medical camp in front of the BNP central office at Naya Paltan in Dhaka, Rizvi expressed deep concern that the head of the police force would publicly discuss crossfire methods.
He emphasized that adequate legal frameworks already exist to combat terrorism and crime, noting that law enforcement agencies bear the responsibility of enforcing those laws properly.
Recalling past turmoil, Rizvi stated that the nation endured 17 years of severe misrule involving crossfire killings, enforced disappearances, and bloodshed before experiencing the July uprising and the subsequent ascent of the BNP through a free and fair electoral process.
He highlighted that citizens across the country expect a humane Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, whose vision is reflected in developmental and welfare initiatives such as Family Cards, Farmers’ Cards, and canal excavation programs.
Addressing rising juvenile delinquency and local crime concerns in Dhaka, Rizvi expressed confidence that the police force contains many capable and honest officers who can maintain order if allowed to work independently.
Concluding his remarks, the BNP leader reiterated that extrajudicial measures, including enforced disappearances and crossfire killings, can never serve as effective solutions for controlling societal crime.
The commentary follows statements made on Monday by Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, who suggested that police might resort to crossfire if authorized by the government to curb crime and maintain public order.
Why it matters
The public rebuke by a senior BNP leader highlights ongoing political tensions surrounding law enforcement methods and governance accountability in Bangladesh.