July movement built on BNP's 17-year struggle: Anee

Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said the July uprising was built on the foundation of BNP's long 17-year movement. He made the remarks at a discussion titled 'Unity, not division, in building a just and discrimination-free society', organised by 'Amra Bangladeshi' at the National Press Club in the capital on Tuesday.

Anee said questions are now being raised about where the current opposition was during the July movement and what role they played over the past 17 years. He claimed BNP had built the foundation of the movement through simultaneous struggles and coalition-building, but now some are claiming sole credit for the uprising. According to him, an uprising requires long preparation and groundwork, and that foundation was laid by BNP's movement.

On the Awami League, he said not all leaders and activists of the party fled the country, nor do all face the same allegations. However, he noted that the opposition's call to bring 'good Awami League' along is creating divisions.

On elections, Anee said BNP had suffered due to multiple candidates in some constituencies. He also called for increased scrutiny of controversial seats, alleging influence in expatriate voting.

He further said the country is facing various crises due to the 'corruption and looting' of the past 17 years. However, he claimed development projects are being implemented under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership in continuation of Ziaur Rahman's development philosophy. He also alleged that intelligence police (DB) had tortured opposition leaders and activists during the Awami League government.

Lakshmipur-1 MP Shahadat Hossain Selim said national unity, not division, is needed. Prime Minister's Political Assistant Rashed Khan said those who did not believe in Bangladesh's independence are now in opposition in parliament, which is shameful for the country. He also claimed the people have faith in Tarique Rahman's leadership, and while BNP believes in unity, Jamaat does not.

'Amra Bangladeshi' coordinator Syed Ehsanul Huda said the organisation's journey began with the slogan 'Bangladesh first' to build a beautiful Bangladesh. BNP and other political party leaders also spoke at the event.