Staff Correspondent

Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee called upon the opposition party to extend cooperation to the government for carrying out the country's development activities on Friday.

"Cooperation from the opposition party is necessary for the development of the country and for building a new Bangladesh," he said.

The minister was addressing as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting with beneficiaries of the SDF's "Be Strong" project in the South Durgapur area of Dighli Union under Chandraganj upazila of the district.

"We protested against Hasina for 17 years. We suffered because of it. The country also suffered greatly due to the oppression and persecution carried out by Hasina. Together, we carried out the movement to protect the country and democracy," he said.

"Now our responsibility is to safeguard these achievements and build a new Bangladesh. For this, cooperation from the opposition party is necessary," he added.

Anee said the opposition has staged a long march and is again talking about launching movements. If Bangladesh remains in a state of agitation all the time, there will be no development in the local areas, he said adding that such movements are harmful to the local community as well as to the country.

Criticising the opposition's agitation, the minister said an attempt is being made to hold the BNP hostage through agitation. They believe that if they launch movements, the BNP, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and the ministers and MPs will become weak, he said. 

Taking advantage of that situation, they believe the people will be compelled to vote for them and bring them to power, he said. 

"We cannot allow that opportunity. Therefore, everyone must remain united and work together from the field," said Anee.

Chandraganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nilufa Yasmin chaired the meeting while local leaders of BNP and its associate bodies were present.