Democracy must be strengthened for national development: Anee

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said Bangladesh’s development will be possible only if people from all political backgrounds work together to strengthen the foundations of democracy.

“Our main task now is to strengthen the foundations of democracy collectively, regardless of political affiliation. If we can at least carry out our routine work properly, development in Bangladesh will be possible,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing the annual general meeting and scholarship distribution ceremony of Lakshmipur Samaj Unnayan Parishad at a restaurant in Lakshmipur on Friday afternoon.

He said failure to perform routine duties properly would create obstacles at every step, stressing the need for collective cooperation to strengthen Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s hand.

“Bangladesh must be rebuilt in a new way. There is no need to recount the past 17 years. We fought a movement and formed the government. There had been no electoral process for so long. Now the electoral process has begun anew, and we must take this journey a long way forward,” Anee said.

He said the country would have to overcome many difficult situations to reach its target, adding that people must maintain unity and move forward through wholehearted cooperation, regardless of their positions.

“After waging a political struggle for 17 years, we must now move forward in the struggle for life,” he added.

The event was chaired by Lakshmipur Samaj Unnayan Parishad President Mohammad Saif Uddin. Among those present were Bangladesh Football Federation Vice-President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kathowai Pru Marma, District Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum President Hafizur Rahman, former District Bar Association President Shahadat Hossain and Lakshmipur municipal BNP President Rezaul Karim Liton.

Twenty-five meritorious students received scholarships at the programme.

- MaT