Dhaka, July 28 -- Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Tuesday said the July mass uprising was built upon the foundation of BNP's 17-year-long movement against authoritarian rule.

"Every uprising needs a foundation. BNP created that foundation through 17 years of struggle," he said while speaking at a discussion titled "Unity, Not Division, for Building a Just and Discrimination-Free Society" at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

The minister questioned the role of the current opposition during the anti-government movement. "Where were they over the past 17 years? We formed alliances and carried out simultaneous movements. But after August 5, they claimed they alone led the movement. It is undeniable that every upri...