Movements and protests hamper country's development: Anee

Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said that development is hampered by movements and protests. To rebuild Bangladesh, focus must be placed on development and nation-building instead of agitation. For this, cooperation from the opposition party is needed alongside the government.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting with beneficiaries of the 'SDF's Be Strong' project at the South Durgapur area under Dighli union of Chandragong upazila in Lakshmipur on Friday, August 28.

Anee said the people have given BNP the responsibility of running the country. Those who voted against BNP are now in the opposition. But since the government took office, the opposition has not cooperated. Instead, they are talking about movements.

He said, "We protested against Hasina for 17 years. We suffered. The way Hasina carried out oppression and persecution, the country also suffered extensively. Together, through protests, we protected the country and its democracy. Now our task is to protect this protection. To rebuild Bangladesh anew. For this, the opposition's cooperation is needed."

Referring to the opposition's recent programmes, the water resources minister said, "The opposition held a long march and is again saying they will protest. If Bangladesh remains in a state of agitation, development of the area will not happen. This agitation is harmful to the area and to the country."

He further said the opposition wants to hold BNP hostage through movements. The opposition is designing programmes thinking that BNP, Tarique Rahman and ministers and MPs will become weak due to the agitation.

Anee said, "Hasina came to power by holding the people hostage through 172 days of hartals. Later, she ruined the country for 17 years. Now the opposition thinks that if they agitate, BNP will become weak, Tarique Rahman will become weak, ministers and MPs will become weak. In that opportunity, mothers and sisters will be forced to vote and bring them to power. That opportunity cannot be given."

Calling on everyone to work unitedly to continue the country's development, he said, "For that, everyone must work together in the field in unity."

The views-exchange meeting was presided over by Chandragong Upazila Executive Officer Nilufa Yasmin. Local leaders present at the time included Chandragong Police Station OC Abdur Rob, Chandragong upazila BNP President Belal Hossain, General Secretary Yusuf Bhuiya, Dighli union BNP President Golam Sarwar, General Secretary Kazi Nurul Amin, BNP leader Shahjahan Mia, and Chandragong upazila Chhatra Dal General Secretary Zaher Islam Jahangir.