BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has stressed the urgent need for an independent electoral system in Bangladesh, stating that without judicial independence, any government can slide into fascism. Annie alleged that political opponents, including himself, have faced harassment, torture, and even enforced disappearances. He mentioned that the recent meeting between BNP’s Tarique Rahman and the chief adviser has set the stage for possible elections. Annie was acquitted today in an explosives case alongside eight others.