A superintendent of police (SP) has criticised the practice of branding political opponents as “fascists”, saying the label was increasingly being used against anyone viewed unfavourably.

Addressing former Cumilla city Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) president Fakhrul Islam Mithu, SP Anisuzzaman said, “You are now trying to hand over your own rivals to the police by tagging them as Awami League members. Anyone you dislike is being labelled a fascist.”

The SP made the remarks during a discussion organised at the Cumilla Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Thursday on the occasion of July Martyrs’ Day.

While addressing the discussion, Fakhrul Islam Mithu alleged that fascists have become active in Cumilla again but police are not taking any action in this regard.

In response, SP Anisuzzaman said, “This is not a political platform. You cannot make such remarks about a disciplined force. I was also involved with Chhatra Dal. I joined Chhatra Dal in Dhaka long before you did. Whenever you speak at a public meeting, you should speak based on facts and evidence.”

Mithu later took the microphone again and said, “Even when we provide you with information, you still do not make arrests.”

Replying to the allegation, the SP said, “You are now labelling your own rivals as Awami League members and trying to hand them over to police. Anyone you dislike is being branded a fascist.”

The SP further said, “After August 5 [2024], there was virtually no effective policing in the country. The police force has now regained its footing.”

“Judicial process is underway. Verdicts have already been delivered against Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman. Please be patient. During my service in Dhaka, I personally submitted charge sheets against many individuals.”

A video showing the heated exchange between the JCD leader and the SP has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread public discussion.

The discussion was attended, among others, by Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Rozi Akter, Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu, Cumilla Development Authority Chairman Udbatul Bari Abu, and Cumilla South District BNP General Secretary Ashikur Rahman Mahmud Wasim.