Akhter calls for overhaul of constitution, state insts in Parliament debate

A Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) member of parliament has urged sweeping reforms to what he described as Bangladesh’s “corroded” state structure, arguing that the spirit of the July mass uprising remains unfulfilled.

Taking part in a discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s speech in Parliament on Monday, NCP MP Akhter Hossen said the country must act on the mandate that emerged from last year’s protest movement. 

Akhter, who also serves as the party’s member secretary, said demonstrators had demanded not just political change but structural transformation.

“We dreamed of a Bangladesh marked by democracy, accountability and a government that truly serves its people,” he told lawmakers. “But that was not the reality we inherited.”

Akhter accused former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League of consolidating control over state institutions, and argued that the problem extended beyond any single party. According to him, “fascist elements” are embedded within the constitutional framework itself and must be removed through meaningful reform.

He noted that proposals for constitutional and institutional changes were raised during the height of the movement but claimed they have since faded from the national agenda. Implementing those reforms, he said, is essential to honoring the uprising’s goals.

The NCP lawmaker also cautioned against external pressures, saying Bangladesh’s geopolitical position leaves it vulnerable to foreign interference, including the possibility of engineered refugee crises. He called for political unity to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and independence.

In the same parliamentary session, ruling party Whip Rakibul Islam addressed concerns about political activity on university campuses. He said students are no longer interested in opaque or “secret” political practices and instead want openness and stability.

Any attempt to incite unrest through covert mobilization would harm ordinary students, he warned, noting that many have already lost valuable academic time due to past instability. Students now want a peaceful environment and transparent political engagement, he added.

Rakibul suggested that if necessary, Parliament could hold discussions to determine the framework for campus politics. He stressed that the country should not allow a return to what he termed a fascist culture of mob politics, and said future student leadership should emerge through merit rather than confrontation.