Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee on Wednesday praised the role of left-wing political parties in the past 17 years of democratic movements, saying their contribution to the anti-fascist movement has been outstanding.

He stressed the need for unity among political parties that participated in the anti-fascist movement to make democracy sustainable.

Anee made the remarks while addressing a discussion at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) as the chief guest.

The discussion focused on the responsibilities of political parties in pursuing a joint movement to counter threats to democracy and attempts by anti-liberation forces to undermine the democratic process.

Anee said the government has been in office for less than six months and needs more time before its performance can be assessed. He alleged that the opposition is already trying to bring down the government.

He also said those seeking to create a favourable environment for what he called “fascist” Hasina to return to the country in December would have to take responsibility for their actions.

Anee said people are confronting all conspiracies from the streets and called on them to remain vigilant and thwart such attempts through street movements in the coming days.

The meeting was chaired by freedom fighter Harun Chowdhury. Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque and Samyabadi Dal General Secretary Khan Mohammad Nur-e-Alam, among others, spoke at the event.