Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anne addressed a programme today marking the assumption of office by the newly appointed Lakshmipur Zila Parishad Administrator, Sahabuddin Sabu, at the district council ground. Photo: BSS

LAKSHMIPUR, Mar 24, 2026 (BSS) – Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anne today alleged that massive corruption had taken place in the past in the name of mega projects, warning that corruption would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

He made the remarks while addressing a programme marking the assumption of office by newly appointed Lakshmipur Zila Parishad Administrator Sahabuddin Sabu at the district council ground this afternoon.

Referring to  17 years of corruption, misrule and incidents of enforced disappearances and killings, the minister said mega projects had been undertaken even when they were not necessary, and thousands of crores of taka were misappropriated in the name of such projects during the previous Awami League government.

He said strict action would be taken against anyone involved in corruption, regardless of department or political affiliation, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman maintains a firm stance against corruption.

Anne said the current government came to power through long political struggles and sacrifices made by students and people during the July Mass Uprising. He added that people have regained a normal life and that the government assumed responsibility during a challenging period.

“We have taken charge at a difficult time and much effort and sacrifice have been required. Overcoming this situation will also be challenging,” he said.

The programme was chaired by newly appointed Zila Parishad Administrator and Lakshmipur district BNP Member Secretary Sahabuddin Sabu.

Among others, Lakshmipur-1 lawmaker Md Shahadat Hossain Selim, district Jamaat Ameer Master Ruhul Amin Bhuiya, Bangladesh Football Federation Vice-President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, district BNP Joint Convener Advocate Hasibur Rahman and Zila Parishad Chief Executive Officer Ashrafun Nahar spoke at the event.

Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, including Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal, from district, upazila and municipal units were present.