BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that Bangladesh faces "grave danger" if illegal arms are not recovered before the upcoming parliamentary election.

Speaking at a party event in Dhaka on Sunday, the BNP senior joint secretary general said the presence of illegal arms and “illicit money” could jeopardise the polls.

“The cronies of fascism are moving forward with illegal weapons and illicit money ahead of the election. If the interim government fails to recover the illegal arms, the next election will be disastrous. The weapons must be seized immediately,” Rizvi said.

He accused associates of the “fascist regime” of being embedded within the current administration, including the Secretariat, and warned they could work against the interim government and “democratic forces” if given the opportunity.

“Those observing politics today are all saying that these elements are lying in wait and are working to create confusion. We must remain vigilant to prevent such a situation,” he said.

The event was organised by the Zia Parishad to distribute raincoats among rickshaw and van drivers as part of the 81st birthday celebrations of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.