UP Elections Will Be a Major Challenge, Says Minister Shahid Uddin Anee

Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has warned that the upcoming Union Parishad (UP) elections will be as challenging as a national election.

Speaking at an awards ceremony at Haji Fateh Mohammadia Dakhil Madrasa on Friday, the Minister urged citizens to be vigilant to ensure true people’s representatives are elected. He noted that since the local polls will not feature party symbols this year, the competition will be exceptionally tough.

"Potential candidates must be people-friendly and genuinely connected to the needs of the common man," the Minister said. He criticized the lack of effective local governance over the last 17 years, noting that many current chairmen and members are either absconding or have failed to serve their communities.

Addressing BNP activists, Anee warned against internal divisions. He emphasized that the quality of a local representative directly dictates the quality of the social system. "If a representative works only for themselves, the public falls into danger. We cannot take these elections lightly because our daily lives depend on these grassroots leaders," he added.

The event, presided over by Madrasa President Golam Sarwar, was attended by BFF Vice President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, Upazila Executive Officer Kathoypru Marma, and other local dignitaries.