Dhaka: Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Tuesday asserted that the July mass uprising was built on the foundation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) prolonged 17-year movement against authoritarian rule. Speaking at a discussion titled “Unity, Not Division, for Building a Just and Discrimination-Free Society” at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital, Anee emphasized the crucial groundwork laid by the BNP over the years.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Anee questioned the role of the current opposition during the anti-government movement, highlighting their absence over the past 17 years. He noted that the BNP had formed alliances and conducted simultaneous movements. However, post-August 5, the opposition claimed sole leadership of the movement. Anee insisted that the foundation of such uprisings was undoubtedly the result of BNP’s prolonged struggle.

The event was organized by Amra Bangladeshi, with Anee also commenting on the Awami League, which faces a ban on its activities. He clarified that not all leaders of the Awami League had fled the country, nor were all cases against them identical. He criticized the opposition for their lack of participation in significant movements since 1986, including those against military ruler HM Ershad and Awami League’s governance.

Anee remarked on the opposition’s misplaced confidence in gaining power, noting their electoral wins were limited. He attributed BNP’s organizational challenges, such as multiple candidates in constituencies, as a factor in the opposition’s relative success. Additionally, he alleged that expatriate voting weaknesses and influenced overseas votes affected BNP’s performance.

Reflecting on BNP’s 17-year struggle for democracy, Anee acknowledged public expectations for a normal life. He stated that although the government had been in power for only five months, efforts were underway to address issues, with the Prime Minister initiating several programs aimed at mitigating shortages.

He further identified ongoing challenges faced by the country, citing widespread corruption and looting over the previous 17 years as significant hurdles. The discussion was chaired by Amra Bangladeshi Coordinator Syed Ehsanul Huda.