At a “Meet the Reporters” event organised by the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, BNP Joint General Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee engaged in a detailed discussion with journalists about his political philosophy, sacrifices, and entire political career.
During the exchange, Anee spoke about his role in the anti-Ershad movement alongside BNP and Jubo Dal (BNP’s student wing), his tenure as the central president of Jubo Dal from 1996 to 1998, and his election as a member of parliament in 2001 and again in 2008.
He also reflected on his ongoing struggle and political activism spanning the last 16 years. He expressed gratitude to his late parents, his wife and children, and notably to former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
Responding to a question about whether BNP has started selecting candidates for the upcoming general elections, he stated, “BNP is a large political party with numerous leaders and activists. However, the party will nominate only those who are capable, honest, politically wise, and popular in their constituencies.”
When asked about the timeline for Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh and whether BNP is facing any legal or political pressure regarding this, the BNP leader said, “Tarique Rahman will return to the country very soon. The entire nation will welcome him, and there is no legal or political pressure in this regard.”
On a question comparing the authoritarianism of Hussain Muhammad Ershad and Sheikh Hasina, he commented, “Sheikh Hasina is a few degrees more authoritarian than her father and Ershad.”
Shahid Uddin Anee is the father of two sons and one daughter, and his wife is a homemaker. He holds a Bachelor’s degree (Honours, 1988) and a Master’s degree (1989) in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Technology from the University of Dhaka. In 1993, he completed a Diploma in Education from the Institute of Education and Research at Dhaka University.
The event was chaired by Abu Saleh Akon, president of Dhaka Reporters Unity, and moderated by Mainul Hasan Sohel, general secretary of ation.