IGP’s ‘Crossfire’ Remark Draws Attention; MFS Oversight Urged

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Ali Hossain Fakir, who has drawn attention for his remarks on crossfire, has also stressed the need for stronger monitoring of mobile financial services (MFS) transactions. His comments highlighted oversight, customer confidence and transparency in the banking sector amid the expansion of digital financial services.

He spoke on Monday, October 26, at the launch of ‘Community Islamic’, the Islamic banking service of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC, in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar. However, he did not announce any specific new directive, measure or implementation timeline for tighter monitoring of the MFS sector.

‘We will conduct crossfire if necessary and authorised’

Addressing law enforcement and crime prevention, the IGP said police would not hesitate to conduct crossfire if it became necessary and the government authorised it. He said police were labelled “fascist” when they acted firmly and “weak” when they remained silent, and called for the force to be given the opportunity to perform its duties effectively.

He said: “Who will come, when Apa will come—that is not for the law enforcement agencies to look into. Our responsibility is to apply what is necessary, wherever and whenever required, in accordance with the law and the Constitution. If crossfire is necessary and the government allows it, we will do it.”

Emphasising the role of police, he added: “If you want to live in comfort and peace, there is no alternative to the police. Whatever forces we may name, including the army, they will defend the country and its sovereignty. Internal order, peace, prosperity and economic development can all be achieved through our collective efforts. Do not try to blackmail the police, and do not allow yourselves to be blackmailed either.”

The IGP also stressed that police must perform their duties in accordance with the law and the Constitution. He urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands. Referring to internal discipline, he said 27 police members had been dismissed over various allegations in the past two months.

Call for stronger MFS transaction monitoring

The IGP highlighted the need to strengthen monitoring of mobile financial services transactions. His remarks emphasised effective oversight and customer confidence as digital financial services continue to expand. He did not, however, specify any new requirements or deadlines for MFS providers.

Banking transparency and accountability

At the event, Ali Hossain Fakir criticised irregularities in the banking sector, bank takeovers and fraud involving promises of unusually high returns. He said laws alone would not be effective without proper supervision and monitoring by Bangladesh Bank. Ethical conduct was necessary from both customers and service providers, he added.

On Islamic banking, he said interest and bribery were strictly prohibited in Islam. In his view, genuine Islamic banking should be based on interest-free arrangements, partnership, ethical conduct, transparency and accountability.

Urging confidence in the current management of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC, the IGP said irregularities and crises from the past must not be allowed to recur.

Directors, the managing director and senior officials of Community Bank attended the event.

//DBTech/DPO/BDN/MIST//