The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has submitted its opinion to the National Consensus Commission, opposing the recommendation to amend the constitution's preamble. The party argues that the proposal places 1971 and 2024 on the same level, which they find unacceptable.
On Sunday (March 23), a BNP delegation led by Standing Committee member Salah Uddin Ahmed submitted a written statement at the commission's office in the National Parliament building.
Speaking to reporters, Salah Uddin Ahmed emphasized that BNP does not support altering the fundamental principles of the constitution. He dismissed the idea of replacing the republic with a citizenship-based system, calling it unjustified. He further stated that democracy in the country has lost its essence, making constitutional amendments necessary. However, BNP does not see the need for a referendum. The party is in agreement with most of the judiciary's recommendations.
Salah Uddin reiterated BNP's stance against modifying the core principles of the constitution. He stressed that shifting from a republic to a citizenship-based system lacks justification. While he acknowledged the need for constitutional amendments due to the erosion of democratic values, he maintained that a referendum is unnecessary. BNP largely agrees with the judiciary's recommendations.
He also pointed out that the Election Commission has the constitutional authority to determine electoral boundaries. However, a minor printing error in the relevant law has not yet been corrected by the Ministry of Law, which has led to delays in hearings. This could create complications in organizing elections, he warned.
Earlier on March 20, the National Consensus Commission launched formal discussions to finalize recommendations from various reform committees. On the first day, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) participated, agreeing with 120 out of 166 state reform proposals. On March 21, leaders from Hefazat Majlis and the Labor Party joined the discussions.
The commission sent letters to 37 political parties on March 6, seeking their opinions on 166 key recommendations related to constitutional amendments, electoral reforms, public administration, anti-corruption measures, and judicial reforms. As part of this process, meetings with political parties are ongoing.
