The Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) has described Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir’s remarks on “crossfire” as a “timely call,” saying they should be viewed in the context of existing laws and regulations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association said the remarks highlighted the need for proper implementation of the law, protection of public safety, and ensuring police personnel have the confidence and capacity to perform their duties.
The statement was signed by BPSA General Secretary Shamima Parvin, who is also superintendent of police in Dhaka district.
It said police personnel were facing various obstacles in enforcing the law and ensuring public safety amid the changing law-and-order situation, a growing mob culture and the post-August 5, 2024, political context.
The association said the IGP made the remarks at the inauguration of a community bank in Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka, and that they should be considered in light of existing laws and regulations.
According to the statement, the remarks underscored the need to take appropriate action as circumstances demand, within the limits of the law, while ensuring police personnel have the confidence and capacity to carry out their professional responsibilities.
The statement added that Bangladesh Police conducts all its activities in accordance with the constitution and prevailing laws.
Citing statistics on attacks against police personnel, the BPSA said 176 attacks on officers on duty were recorded in the first 10 months of 2026, leaving four police members dead and 370 seriously injured.
The association said the figures highlighted the need to ensure police personnel’s safety and provide them with a suitable working environment.
It added that officers must be able to perform their duties fearlessly, impartially and professionally, in accordance with the law, including the right of private defence.
The statement also said the association believed that maintaining strong law and order was essential to state stability and the uninterrupted continuation of economic activities.
It said the public expected police to protect life and property, suppress crime, uphold justice, and ensure impartiality and accountability. Police personnel must therefore perform their duties firmly, professionally and humanely, without hesitation in the lawful exercise of their authority.
The association warned that undue hesitation in exercising legal powers to combat crime could embolden criminals and undermine law and order, as well as the effectiveness of state institutions.
At the same time, it said police must operate within the limits of the law, maintaining firmness, impartiality and professionalism to strengthen public trust.
The BPSA said the IGP’s remarks could therefore be viewed as a timely call for the proper and firm enforcement of existing laws, effective crime suppression and stronger police capacity to protect public safety.