BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that the statements made by high-ranking police officers closely resemble those made by an Awami League leader.
Rizvi said: "There was a meeting of high-ranking police officers yesterday (Saturday). After hearing a particular officer's statement, one might question whether he is a senior police officer or the Awami League publicity secretary of Mohammadpur or Shahbagh. I couldn't discern any difference."
He made these remarks while addressing a human chain event demanding the release of Rezaul Karim Rana, the joint convener of the Central Tanti Dal.
The event was organized by the Nationalist Tanti Dal Dhaka Metropolitan South and took place in front of the party's central office in Naya Paltan on Sunday.
Rizvi said: "Law enforcement agencies are funded by public money and are part of the state machinery. They enjoy various privileges, including housing allowances, funded by taxpayers."
He expressed concern over the language used by senior police officers, likening it to the rhetoric of Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Jubo League, and Chhatra League leaders. Rizvi questioned whether the upcoming election would be marred by such discourse.
Rizvi asserted that such language would discourage people from voting, hinder voters' participation, and deter the opposition from joining and competing in the election.
He cited the statements made by senior police officers during their meeting on Saturday as indicative of the election process to come.
He also suggested that these police officers might threaten villagers with legal action if they participate in voting, or if they engage in election campaigning.