Dhaka, Oct. 26 -- Police Headquarters has clarified that Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir did not mean extrajudicial killings when he used the term "crossfire" while discussing law and order.

The explanation came in a statement on Monday evening amid criticism of the police chief's remarks, made at the opening of the Community Islamic Bank System in Dhaka's Chawkbazar earlier in the day.

"Our responsibility is to apply the law wherever and whenever necessary. If crossfire is needed and the government allows it, we will do that," the IGP said.

Political parties and organisations criticised the statement and demanded its withdrawal.

In its response, police headquarters said the IGP had been expressing his commitment to taki...