Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has criticized the opposition for maintaining a political double standard pledging cooperation inside Parliament while creating public suffering through street agitations outside.
He made these remarks on Saturday as the chief guest at a free medical and eye camp at Zillur Rahim College in Lakshmipur. The event was organized by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and Lions International.
Addressing the opposition's ongoing long marches to Chattogram and Rangpur, Anee questioned the logic of organizing fuel-consuming road trips while simultaneously protesting against gas and fuel shortages. "Do these events not consume fuel? Do they not cause public inconvenience and traffic jams? They pledge in Parliament to cooperate with the government, but if this is their nature outside, is it cooperation at all?" he asked.
The minister reminded the public that the current government assumed responsibility for a "devastated nation" only six months ago. He stressed that resolving a 17-year-long crisis in the energy and power sectors requires time and patience rather than disruptive protests.
He also warned citizens against the political rehabilitation of those responsible for systemic oppression over the past 17 years, accusing the opposition of previously using illicit tactics like vote-buying to cling to power.
Reflecting on the nation's recent political transformation, Anee noted that the historic August 5 uprising was the culmination of a grueling 17-year struggle by students and the masses.
This movement paved the way for the February 12 election, through which the current administration took office. He urged the public to remain vigilant against any conspiracies aimed at harming Bangladesh and its people.
