'I was in Chhatra Dal long before you': Cumilla SP responds to critic
The exchange took place after a former Chhatra Dal leader criticised police over the handling of cases against those accused of supporting the previous government.
Highlights:
- SP's remarks go viral on social media
- Exchange follows criticism over police action
- SP says accusations should be evidence-based
Cumilla Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman said he had been involved with Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in Dhaka long before one of his critics, as he defended the police against allegations of inaction.
The remarks, made at a discussion marking National July Martyrs' Day on Wednesday (15 July), went viral on social media today (17 July).
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The exchange took place during a discussion at the Cumilla Deputy Commissioner's conference room after former president of the Cumilla city unit Chhatra Dal, Fakhrul Islam Mithu, criticised police for allegedly failing to take effective action against those he described as "fascists".
Responding to the criticism, Anisuzzaman said the event was not a political platform and urged speakers to make allegations based on evidence.
"This is not a political platform. It is not appropriate to speak about a law enforcement agency in this manner. When you speak at a public meeting, you should do so based on facts and evidence," he said.
When Fakhrul later alleged that police had failed to arrest individuals despite receiving information about their whereabouts, the SP said political labels were being applied too broadly.
"You are now branding even your own enemies as fascists. Anyone you dislike is being labelled a fascist," he said.
He then added, "I was also in Chhatra Dal. I was involved with Chhatra Dal in Dhaka long before you."
The SP also said that following the events of 5 August, 2024, the country's police force had effectively ceased functioning for a period before gradually resuming normal operations.
"There are still officials in the police who served during the previous government. Over the past 17 years, different state institutions have been weakened," he said.
He added that the current government, which has been in office for four months, needed time to restore institutions.
"The current government is only four months old. It needs time," he said.
The discussion was attended by Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Rozi Akhtar, Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu, Cumilla Development Authority Chairman Udbatul Bari Abu, Cumilla South District BNP General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Mahmud Wasim, leaders of various political parties and district administration officials.
