IGP flies to France to attend Interpol confce

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir left Dhaka for France on Sunday morning to attend a three-day Interpol conference, amid criticism over his recent remarks on the use of “crossfire” to curb crime.

According to a press release issued by Police Headquarters, the IGP departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The 2nd Interpol Global Biosecurity Conference will be held at Interpol headquarters from November 3 to 5 organised by the agency’s unit responsible for preventing bioterrorism.

The conference will bring together law enforcers from different countries, biosecurity experts and academics to discuss existing and emerging biosecurity threats and identify practical measures to address potential risks, the press release said.

Ali Hossain Fakir is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on November 7.

Speaking at an event in Dhaka on October 26, the IGP said police would resort to “crossfire” if necessary to curb crime, provided that the government gave permission.

His remarks drew widespread criticism. Prime Minister’s Information Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman subsequently said a final decision on the IGP would be taken after the Prime Minister returned from Japan.

The Prime Minister returned to Dhaka early Friday after a four-day visit to Tokyo.