Not power we have taken state responsibility: Water Resources Minister Anne

Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anne said the current government considers its role a state responsibility rather than a position of power.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been elected, and we have also been elected. This is not our power; it is a responsibility to the state. From a moral standpoint, I am committed to the people to fulfill that responsibility,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting with the Hindu community of Lakshmipur on Tuesday night (March 10). The event was held at Sonarbangla Chinese Restaurant in the district town.

Annie said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership style is different from previous administrations and noted that the prime minister begins official work early in the morning.

“This prime minister goes to the office at 9 am. We did not see such a routine before. As a result, government officials are more alert and people are receiving better services,” he said.

He also referred to the reduction of large official motorcades.

“Earlier, we used to see fleets of 15 to 20 cars with the prime minister. Has anyone seen such a convoy in Dhaka over the past month? This reflects a different style of leadership,” Annie added.

The minister said it has been less than a month since the government took office, but people are already noticing changes.

“With more than 200 million people in the country, we all share a love for Bangladesh. That sense of responsibility must be awakened, and Tarique Rahman has set an example,” he said.

The meeting was chaired by Lakshmipur District Hindu, Buddhist, Christian Unity Council President Shankar Majumdar and moderated by Jubo Oikya Parishad Central Committee President Shimul Saha.

Among others present were District BNP Member Secretary Shahabuddin Sabu, Joint Convener Hasibur Rahman, Unity Council General Secretary Advocate Milan Mandal, District Puja Udjapan Parishad President Swapan Chandra Nath, District Hindu Christian Kalyan Front Convener Ratnadwip Pal, Member Secretary Manik Saha, and District Jubo Oikya Parishad President Raj Bijoy Chakraborty.