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A police superintendent has criticized the broad application of the term "fascist" to label political opponents, asserting that it is now used against anyone viewed unfavorably. SP Anisuzzaman addressed former Cumilla city Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) president Fakhrul Islam Mithu, accusing him of attempting to use the police to target rivals by labeling them as Awami League members or fascists.

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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 these statements during a discussion event on July Martyrs’ Day at the Cumilla Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Fakhrul Islam Mithu had alleged that "fascists" were active in Cumilla, but the police were not taking action. SP Anisuzzaman countered that the event was not a political platform and that remarks about the disciplined force should be based on facts and evidence, noting his own past involvement with Chhatra Dal.

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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.

Responding to Mithu's further claim that arrests were not made even when information was provided, SP Anisuzzaman reiterated his point about rivals being labeled. He also stated that effective policing had been virtually nonexistent in the country after August 5, 2024, but that the police force has since regained its footing. He mentioned ongoing judicial processes and verdicts against prominent figures, including Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

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Even when we provide you with information, you still do not make arrests.

A video capturing the intense exchange between the JCD leader and the SP has circulated widely on social media, prompting significant public debate. The discussion was attended by several local officials, including Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Rozi Akter and Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu.

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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.