Hasina’s Return Is ‘Just a Drama’, Says Anee

Bangla Press Desk:   Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has said that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported return to Bangladesh as “a drama”.

Anee, also the BNP Joint Secretary General, said that the government and the courts will take action against her in accordance with the law if she returns.

He made the remarks on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the 14th International Education Expo 2026, organised by the Foreign Admission and Career Development Consultants Association of Bangladesh (FACD-CAB), at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

Referring to Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), Anee said the government was only six months old and warned that threats of protests against it at this stage could create an opportunity for a “third party” to take advantage of the situation.

He also stressed the importance of developing global skills among students, saying events such as the international education expo can play an important role in preparing the younger generation to face global challenges.

He urged students to acquire modern knowledge and skills and prepare themselves for opportunities in the international arena.

Representatives of around 300 educational institutions from 30 countries attended the three-day expo. Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari and other guests also attended the closing ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Kazi Zia Uddin said sending talented Bangladeshis abroad for higher education could promote “brain circulation”. He said Bangladeshis living abroad could enhance the country’s reputation through their achievements and contributions.

The FACD-CAB secretary general said its members contribute to the economy by sending students abroad and bringing foreign currency into the country. He urged the government to withdraw the 7.5% deduction imposed on remittances brought into the country through the sector.He also alleged that many people who are not members of FACD-CAB operate overseas student recruitment businesses and that some of them deceive students.

Mahfuzur Rahman, managing director of World Wide Education BD, said FACD-CAB members contribute significantly to the economy by facilitating overseas education but remain among the most neglected stakeholders in the sector.

Speakers also alleged that many people operating in the overseas education sector lack professional training and run businesses with little more than trade licences. They called for effective government measures to bring discipline to the sector.

They also called for a national outbound student database containing information on how many Bangladeshi students go abroad each year and what subjects they study.

The organisers said the expo gave students an opportunity to learn directly about overseas higher education, admission procedures, scholarships, career planning and education systems in different countries.

They said the participation of around 300 educational institutions from 30 countries would help strengthen international links in Bangladesh’s higher education sector.