Annie: Stability cannot be ensured without elections under interim govt

BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has said that an interim government is a temporary measure, asserting that a people-elected government is crucial for ensuring five years of stability necessary for economic progress.

He made these statements on Friday afternoon while addressing a farmers’ gathering organized by the Union Krishak Dal at the Choupalli Kalidas High School grounds in Uttar Joypur Union of Lakshmipur Sadar Upazila.

Annie urged the authorities to hold elections at the earliest to restore stability in the country, saying: “Without elections, the country will not achieve stability.”

He said: "The prerequisite for strengthening the foundation of democracy is elections. During Hasina’s tenure, business interests and corruption were prioritized over democracy. However, the BNP has taken a different approach by focusing on reinforcing a people-centered democratic foundation."

Annie further said: "Since 2018, Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman have united the BNP and the nation, not for their power or the party’s benefit but for the people.”

“People take pride in and rely on Tarique Rahman. Show me another leader who can guide Bangladesh in the future. After Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, is there any leader across the country like Tarique Rahman?" said the BNP leader.

He further said: "Tarique Rahman has said that we will not form a government unilaterally. Fascism and authoritarianism have emerged under the rule of a single individual, and we must move away from this. That is why Tarique Rahman has proposed the idea of a bicameral parliament in the country.”

He added: “In this system, general members will serve in the lower house, while the upper house will be class-based, creating a balance of power. This innovation of power balance has been introduced to the nation by Tarique Rahman."

In his speech, Annie also said: "Ziaur Rahman excavated canals for farmers, which enabled the production of crops through irrigation. Half of the produce was exported, while the other half met domestic demand.”

“Canal excavation involved multiple aspects, including politics, livelihoods, and self-reliance. These initiatives reflect Ziaur Rahman’s charisma—he didn’t become a leader overnight,” Annie further added.

Regarding Khaleda Zia’s medical treatment abroad, Annie accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of plotting to harm her politically. “Khaleda Zia remains dignified despite the circumstances, while Hasina has fled to avoid accountability,” he alleged.

Annie criticized Hasina’s leadership, saying: “Hasina claims to belong to a political family, but she has not engaged in genuine politics for the last 17 years. Even after independence, her father failed to practice real politics. We witnessed the atrocities of the Rakkhi Bahini and have seen worse oppression under Hasina’s rule.”