BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of transforming the Awami League into an authoritarian, non-political entity since coming to power. Speaking on August 15, Annie alleged that Hasina’s rule over the past 17 years had been marked by oppression, even targeting women. He claimed she came to power primarily to avenge her father’s assassination, not to serve the country’s interests. Annie said that neither Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina, nor the Mujib family had a place in the hearts of the people, and that the post-independence government ruled through “fascist brutality” rather than popular support.