Dhaka:National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser for the Southern Region and Cumilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah has publicly criticized Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir over his recent remarks concerning the use of crossfire. Abdullah accused the IGP of acting like a thug and called for the police to remain neutral in their duties.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Hasnat Abdullah made these statements during an NCP public outreach programme held in Mugda, Dhaka. He expressed disapproval of the IGP's comments, likening them to tactics from a fascist era and questioning what actions the government would take in response.
Abdullah further criticized the IGP's comments as inappropriate for a police force intended to serve the public. He compared IGP Fakir to former police officials Benazir Ahmed and Harun Or Rashid, who served under the previous Awami League government. Abdullah warned the police against serving political interests, emphasizing that their uniforms are funded by taxpayers and that neither the home minister nor the prime minister would protect them – only the people would.
In his address, Abdullah urged the police and administration to remain neutral in the forthcoming local government elections, advising them not to align with any political party, including the BNP, NCP, or Jamaat, but to maintain integrity and ensure a fair electoral process. He also pointed out public discontent with the BNP, citing an incident in Mymensingh where a woman allegedly expressed regret for supporting the party.
Additionally, Abdullah condemned the arrest of the woman involved in the incident and demanded her immediate release, accusing the home minister of acting unjustly. He also questioned the disappearance of Miraj Sheikh in Mongla, attributing it to the actions of the home minister's Coast Guard and demanding answers from the government.
Abdullah expressed skepticism about the upcoming local government elections, accusing the BNP of attempting to disrupt the process, and voiced distrust in the current government and administration. He also advocated for NCP-nominated Dhaka South City Corporation mayoral candidate Nasiruddin Patwary, describing him as a candidate for the people.
Moreover, Abdullah accused the BNP government of nepotism in fertiliser dealership appointments and criticized an alleged 'syndicate' in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market. Meanwhile, IGP Ali Hossain stated that police might resort to crossfire if sanctioned by the government to maintain law and order and reduce crime.