Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said that strengthening the country’s democratic foundation, regardless of party affiliation, is currently the main task.
Speaking as the chief guest at the annual general meeting and scholarship distribution ceremony of the Lakshmipur Samaj Unnayan Parishad held at a Chinese restaurant in the town on Friday noon, he said that national development is possible if even routine work can be carried out; otherwise, obstacles will arise at every step.
The minister emphasised that it is extremely urgent at this moment for everyone to cooperate and strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He noted that Bangladesh needs to be rebuilt anew for its people and remarked that there is no need to describe the events of the last 17 years.
Saying that the present government was formed through movement when there was no electoral process, he highlighted that the electoral process has now been restarted and this journey must be carried a long way.
Highlighting the need to overcome difficult situations to reach target points, the minister stressed the importance of maintaining internal unity and extending all-out cooperation. He said that Bangladesh lacked a good history for 17 to 18 years, during which everyone faced the situation in different ways.
Observing that a normal life has now returned, which was unimaginable even three years ago- he called upon everyone to hold onto this normal life, transitioning from the past political war to the ongoing battle of life.
Anee expressed confidence in the noble initiatives launched nationwide under the leadership of elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He recalled that his father, former president Ziaur Rahman, successfully built a self-reliant Bangladesh in just three and a half years during his lifetime.
He also paid tribute to the late BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, recalling her struggling life, leadership, and the persecution she endured during political movements before her demise. He noted that from the same family, one served as a popular president, one as a three-time prime minister, and another now leads the country as the elected prime minister.
Addressing political conduct, Anee pointed out that while politicians engage in constructive discussions in Parliament, they often fail to maintain that spirit outside, sometimes reacting in anger or shifting to alternative programmes that could harm the nation. He urged all stakeholders to carefully consider every aspect before taking steps.
At the event, educational scholarships were awarded to 25 meritorious students. The function was presided over by Mohammad Saif Uddin, president of Lakshmipur Samaj Unnayan Parishad.
Notable attendees included Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Vice-President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Cathwaypru Marma, District Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum President Hafizur Rahman, former District Bar Association president Shahadat Hossain, and Lakshmipur Pourashava BNP President Rezaul Karim Litton, among others.
