Water Resources Minister and Lakshmipur-3 MP Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has said former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has “no chance” of returning to Bangladesh, claiming the country’s people would no longer accept her.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking the July Mass Uprising at Jahangirnagar University on Thursday, the minister said Sheikh Hasina’s actions during her time in office had permanently eroded public confidence in her leadership.
“There is no opportunity for Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh. She committed such serious wrongdoings that many people now describe her not only as a fascist but also as a mafia figure. The people of this country will no longer accept her,” he said.
Referring to the Awami League’s activities on social media, Anee said online campaigns should not be mistaken for public support on the ground.
“Looking at some of the Awami League’s activities on social media, one might think the political environment is becoming favourable for the party. However, the reality is quite different. There is no similarity between Facebook and the situation on the ground. Anyone who believes a few isolated programmes have created a path for Sheikh Hasina’s return is completely mistaken,” he said.
The minister also claimed that some within the Awami League were circulating claims that Sheikh Hasina would return to Bangladesh by December, but insisted she no longer enjoyed public acceptance.
Recalling the July Mass Uprising, Anee said he had been arrested and subjected to persecution on numerous occasions over the past 17 years but had never lost his resolve.
“Although I had to travel regularly from Kashimpur Central Jail to the court, I never lost my morale. It was the responsibility of my generation to inspire young people with courage. With that conviction, I remained involved in the movement and embraced the spirit of July,” he said.
He warned that unnecessary divisions and political confrontations among democratic parties would only create opportunities for the Awami League.
“We must avoid petty politics and preserve unity among democratic forces,” he said.
Speaking about the July Charter, the minister dismissed suggestions that it would not be implemented.
“Many people say the July Charter will never be implemented. But it will certainly be implemented,” he added.
The discussion was attended by Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Md Shamsul Alam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Muhammad Nazrul Islam, along with deans of various faculties, teachers, students, leaders of the university students’ union, representatives of different student organisations, and university officials.
