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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh

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From Daily Star · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A special parliamentary committee in Bangladesh will consult with various stakeholders to revise the constitution.
  • The committee plans to review the entire constitution, prioritizing the July National Charter, and will seek input from political parties, experts, protesters, martyrs' families, and journalists.
  • The government stated it will not impose its ideology and aims for a consensus-based revision, incorporating suggestions from all sides, including the opposition.

Bangladesh's special parliamentary committee on constitutional amendment is set to engage in broad consultations with diverse groups to achieve an acceptable, consensus-based revision of the nation's constitution. Following its inaugural meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, committee members announced plans to review the entire constitution, with the July National Charter serving as a primary reference point.

We will certainly adopt [its proposals]. The points where we gave a note of dissent will be recorded as such.

โ€” Salahuddin AhmedChairman of the committee, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, discussing the adoption of proposals from the July Charter.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who chairs the committee, stated that the panel welcomes views from all stakeholders, including political parties, experts, and professionals. He expressed hope that the opposition would eventually participate, assuring that their suggestions would be considered. Ahmed described the July Charter as a document reflecting political consensus and indicated that proposals from it would be adopted, with any dissenting notes duly recorded. He also mentioned that relevant points from the ruling party's election manifesto would be incorporated.

Law Minister Asaduzzaman emphasized that the government would not override the July Charter to impose its political ideology. He highlighted the necessity of reviewing the entire constitution for a "harmonious interpretation." The committee also intends to consult with families of the martyrs from the July Uprising, protesters, and journalists. This inclusive approach aims to prevent a recurrence of the political crisis that arose after the unilateral passage of the 15th Amendment in 2011, which abolished the caretaker government system.

We will certainly adopt [its proposals]. The points where we gave a note of dissent will be recorded as such.

โ€” Salahuddin AhmedChairman of the committee, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, discussing the adoption of proposals from the July Charter.

Asaduzzaman described the July Charter as a "complete code of political guideline" endorsed by 33 parties, already incorporating opposition recommendations. Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni reiterated that the committee's doors remain open to the opposition, framing the constitutional amendment as an initiative for future generations. The opposition, however, has declined to nominate members, advocating for reforms through a Constitution Reform Council instead.

The July Charter was a complete code of political guideline signed by 33 parties and already incorporated the opposition's recommendations.

โ€” AsaduzzamanLaw Minister Asaduzzaman explaining the significance of the July Charter.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.