BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has accused the Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), led by the Charmonai Pir, of strengthening Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s grip on power through repeated electoral cooperation, calling it a betrayal of the people.

Speaking on the formation of a consensus government, Annie said:
“Through implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda, we can bring about a national unity government. In such a setup, elected representatives would form the lower house, while unelected leaders from different political groups could join the upper house to ensure inclusive governance.”

He alleged that for 17 years, Islami Andolan played a key role in propping up Hasina’s rule:
“In the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, Islami Andolan extended support to Hasina, thus strengthening her permanence in power. For this, Charmonai Pir and his party have been marked as traitors by the people of Bangladesh.”

Criticizing their current stance, he added:
“Today they parade on the streets against elections, but where were they during our 17 years of struggle? Back then, we didn’t see their so-called movement. Now they threaten, march, and disrupt the electoral atmosphere. To overcome this situation, unity is our only strength.”

Annie also recalled Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in frustrating opposition unity in earlier decades:
“In 1986 and 1996, Jamaat did not just obstruct us, they obstructed the entire nation.”