Those who opposed independence created figures like Patwary: Anee

Those who opposed Bangladesh's independence had created "insolent" political figures like Nasiruddin Patwary, alleged Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee today (4 August).

Speaking as the chair at a "July Rally" organised by the Lakshmipur District BNP at the N Ahmadia Government Primary School ground in Lakshmipur, Anee asserted that there is only one true opposition entity in the country - Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Chhatra Shibir.

"We do not believe there are one, two or four opposition parties. There is only one opposition - Jamaat-Shibir," Anee said while presiding over a "July Rally" organised by the Lakshmipur district BNP at the N Ahmadiya Government Primary School ground in the town.

He further claimed that the newly formed student organisation NCP has effectively merged under the leadership of Jamaat-Shibir.

"The NCP, which was created through a new student organisation and brought into national politics, has aligned itself with Jamaat-Shibir under its leadership," he claimed.

The minister said Bangladesh had two political camps outside what he described as the "fascist" side – one led by Jamaat-Shibir and the other the Bangladeshi nationalist camp under the leadership of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

He alleged that political opponents are constantly provoking BNP leaders and making obscene remarks about BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, adding that party leaders and activists have maintained patience so far.

"The people of the country are still exercising patience. Our patience has not yet run out because we have reached this point through political struggle," he said.

Anee said the BNP does not tolerate indiscipline within the party.

Highlighting the party's democratic values, Anee noted that the BNP, founded under President Ziaur Rahman, has no room for indecent or uncultured political behavior.

"Tarique Rahman is vigilant on this matter. The number of people expelled from the party shows that no such behaviour is tolerated in the BNP," he added.

He further alleged that after 5 August, certain groups had not only divided the July Uprising but had also divided Bangladesh and its politics, creating rifts within the anti-fascist alliance.

Recalling the murder of Krishak Dal leader Sajib in Lakshmipur on 18 July 2023, he questioned the whereabouts of these critics during the 17 years of anti-autocracy struggles, referring to them as "July fighters created only after 5 August."

The rally was moderated by Lakshmipur district BNP Joint Convener Hasibur Rahman. BNP Chairman's Adviser and Lakshmipur-2 MP Abul Khayer Bhuiyan attended as the chief guest, while Lakshmipur-1 MP Shahadat Hossain Selim, BFF Vice-President Wahiduddin Chowdhury and other BNP leaders were present as special guests.