Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Monday said police might resort to crossfire if the government allows it and it becomes necessary to maintain law and order and curb crimes.

“When the police act tough, they are called fascist police and when they remain silent they are called weak police,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at the formal inauguration of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC’s Islamic banking service, ‘Community Islamic’, at Chawkbazar of the capital.

“If the government permits and it becomes necessary to maintain law and order and suppress crimes, we will not hesitate to resort to crossfire,” the IGP said.

He said police are working under a zero-tolerance policy to prevent the spread of drugs.

Stressing that attempts to render the police ineffective would not be tolerated, he said maintaining social order would be difficult if the police are repeatedly targeted or obstructed from performing their duties.

He said police officers found involved in criminal activities are not being spared, adding that the force has its own system of checks and balances.

The IGP also said some members of then Awami League (now facing ban on activities)  patronised the spread of drugs, while some police personnel had also been involved in the drug trade.

“Drugs are widespread at almost every gathering in neighbourhoods and local communities today. Who created this situation? If you look closely, you will see that the leaders of the then ruling party patronised it. Some members of our police force were also involved, and some still are,” he said.

Fakir said around 27 police members have been sent to jail over the past two months as part of efforts to address wrongdoing within the force.

“We are cleaning up our own house first, as you can see. Yet, various misinterpretations are being spread even about this,” he said.

He called for greater empowerment of the police, saying restoring peace in society would not be possible without allowing law enforcement agencies to enforce the law.

The IGP also urged people to avoid rumours and misinformation and cooperate with the police in discharging their duties in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

Speaking about the banking sector, Fakir, also chairman of Community Bank, stressed the need for ethical practices, transparency and accountability in Islamic banking.

He said interest and bribery were strictly prohibited in Islam, adding that genuine Islamic banking should be entirely interest-free and based on partnership, ethical conduct and fair business practices.

Criticising past irregularities in the banking sector, including the takeover of banks and alleged deception of ordinary customers through promises of high profits, he said effective supervision and monitoring by Bangladesh Bank are essential to ensure compliance with the law.

He urged customers to place their trust in the bank’s current management, saying there would be no opportunity for a recurrence of past irregularities or crises under the present management.

He also emphasised the need to strengthen monitoring of mobile financial services (MFS).

Community Bank Bangladesh PLC’s directors, managing director and senior officials at different levels attended the inauguration ceremony.