Work together to strengthen democracy, says Anee

 
Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has said Bangladesh must preserve its return to normalcy after years of political uncertainty and hardship and focus on rebuilding the country.

“The last 17 to 18 years in Bangladesh were not a positive period. Each of us faced that situation in our own way. Today, we have returned to a normal life,” he said.

Speaking at the annual general meeting and scholarship distribution ceremony of the Lakshmipur Social Development Council on Friday afternoon, Anee said the challenge now was to preserve this normalcy and focus on the country's future.

“We fought a political battle for so long; now, we must move forward in the battle for life itself,” he said.

The event was held at a Chinese restaurant in Lakshmipur city, where scholarships were awarded to 25 meritorious students.

Anee said strengthening the hands of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was important for rebuilding the country and serving its people.

“The nation needs it; we must rebuild Bangladesh for its people. There is no need to dwell on the last 17 years,” he said.

Referring to the political movement that brought his party to power, the minister said the country had entered a new electoral journey and must continue along that path.

He said the country would face many challenges in achieving its goals and urged political leaders and activists to remain united and extend full cooperation, regardless of their positions.

Anee also called on people of all political affiliations to work together to strengthen democracy, saying consistent and effective functioning of the state was essential for development.

Highlighting the government's development plans, the BNP leader said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had begun his journey with a vision for the country.

He recalled the role of Tarique Rahman's father, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, in building a self-reliant Bangladesh during his three-and-a-half years in power.

Anee also referred to the leadership and struggles of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, saying she had faced persecution and oppression throughout her political life.

He said the family had produced a popular president, a three-time prime minister and the current elected prime minister, under whose leadership the country was moving forward.
The meeting was chaired by Mohammad Saif Uddin, president of the Lakshmipur Social Development Council.

Among those present were BFF Vice-President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kathowai Pru Marma, District Nationalist Lawyers' Forum President Hafizur Rahman, former District Bar Association President Shahadat Hossain, Lakshmipur Municipal BNP President Rezaul Karim Liton and Lakshmipur Press Club President AHM Moshtakur Rahman.