Opposition obstructing govt at every step: Anee

LAXMIPUR , Sept 19: Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has accused the Opposition of obstructing the government since the day it took office, saying such activities are creating opportunities for some political forces to seek a return to power in December.

“We took oath on the day the Opposition did not attend. From the very first day until now, the opposition has been obstructing the government at every moment,” he said.

Anee made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a specialised free medical camp, eye camp and medicine distribution programme at Zillur Rahim College in Mandari area of Chandraganj Upazila on Saturday. The programme was organised by the district chapter of Doctors Association of Bangladesh and Lions International District 315 A-3.

He said the Opposition spoke positively in parliament but took a different approach outside it.

“They say they will cooperate with the government in parliament, but they do not speak in the same way outside. If this is what they call cooperation, can it really be called cooperation?” he said.

Referring to recent long marches and road marches, Anee questioned their impact on public life.

“Do these long marches not consume fuel? Do they not cause sufferings to people and traffic congestion? Do patients not suffer because of them?” he said.

He also criticised demands for immediate supplies of gas, oil and electricity, saying the government had inherited a severely damaged situation.

“We have taken responsibility over a pile of ruins. Can we provide gas and electricity to everyone within six months?” he said.
Anee further alleged that opposition parties were trying to put pressure on BNP in order to return to power in the future. He also alleged that money and other inducements had been used to influence some votes in the previous election.

“We have to remain alert and vigilant in the future. The BNP and Tarique Rahman's government will not accept any attempt to take advantage of any situation to harm Bangladesh and its people,” he said.

He said the events of August 5 did not happen suddenly and claimed that BNP had struggled for 17 years before the mass movement that eventually led to the change in political circumstances.

He also credited students, youths and young people for participating in the movement that, according to him, created the conditions for the February 12 election.

District BNP Joint Convener Hasib Rahman, Noakhali Civil Surgeon Dr Anwar Hossain, Chandraganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nilufa Yasmin Nipa and Chandraganj Upazila BNP President Belal Hossain, among others, were present at the programme.