No need for separate oath over ‘Yes’ vote: Water Minister Anee

“As soon as parliament sits, the ‘Yes’ will take effect,” he says

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has said there is no need for a separate oath regarding the “Yes” vote in the recent referendum.

Speaking after paying tribute to the language martyrs at the Lakshmipur Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday, the BNP joint secretary general said: “It was a ‘Yes–No’ vote — a referendum — and the ‘Yes’ side won. Naturally, the bill will be raised in parliament. There is no need for any separate oath for ‘Yes’”

“As soon as parliament sits, the ‘Yes’ will take effect. That is the July Charter.”

According to Anee, issues where a ‘No’ vote was recorded would be raised in parliament for discussion.

“Where there has been a ‘No’ vote, that will be raised in parliament and discussed. Based on that discussion, it will be determined what happens to those dissenting notes,” he said.

He said the decision given by the public through the “Yes” vote would be implemented through parliamentary procedures.

“There is no need to take any separate oath in this matter. Many experts have already expressed similar views,” he added.

Responding to another question, the minister warned against “mob culture”.

“A mob means creating a disorderly situation. Mob culture can be an obstacle to building Bangladesh,” he said.

“Those who obstruct the building of Bangladesh will be regarded as enemies of the country. Everyone must step away from mob culture and work responsibly.”

He urged political actors to focus on cooperation.

“There may be differences of opinion, but we should move away from opposing everything on every issue. Everyone should work together sincerely to build the country,” he said.