'Non-cooperation' from opposition opening door for some to enter country in December: Anee

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee today (19 September) accused the opposition of obstructing the government since it took office, saying their "non-cooperation" is giving some people an opening to enter the country in December.

"From the first day until now, the opposition has been non-cooperative with the government at every moment. Because of this non-cooperation, some want to come in December," he made the remarks while speaking at a specialised free medical and eye camp and medicine distribution programme at Zillur Rahim College in Lakshmipur's Chandraganj Upazila.

The minister questioned the opposition's long marches and road marches, asking whether they were not consuming fuel, inconveniencing people on the roads, causing traffic congestion and making sick patients suffer.

"So, did the opposition do anything good? Yet they repeatedly say in parliament that they will cooperate with the government. If this is what their cooperation with the government looks like, can this really be called cooperation?" he said.

Anee, also the joint secretary general of the ruling BNP, said the opposition speaks well while sitting in parliament but does not do so outside.

"Those responsible for oppression and repression over the past 17 years are holding flash processions in one or two places and then fleeing. They are getting this opportunity," he added.

He also said the ruling party had spent 17 years struggling to bring about the political change that came on 5 August 2024.

"It [5 August] did not happen all of a sudden. You and we, along with students and young people, took to the streets and carried out the movement that created the context for 5 August.

"As a result, the election was held on 12 February. In that election, we were entrusted with the responsibility of running the country, and we are carrying out that responsibility," he added.