Porwar accuses BNP of disrespecting public mandate on constitutional reform

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has accused the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of political duplicity and disrespecting the public mandate regarding constitutional reforms and the national referendum.

Speaking at a media exchange program at the Panchagarh Chamber of Commerce auditorium on Saturday afternoon, Porwar claimed that although the BNP had initially agreed to the constitutional reform process and the July Charter, the party shifted its stance after forming the government.

He noted that on October 17, all registered political parties except the NCP had signed the July Charter. Subsequently, after the presidential order and the announcement of the referendum ordinance, both the national election and the referendum were held simultaneously. 

"The BNP raised no objections for four months throughout this process, but they changed their position on constitutional reform once they were in power," Porwar remarked.

The Jamaat leader argued that by casting "Yes" votes in the referendum, the people had clearly voiced their support for comprehensive constitutional reform. He pointed out that while the BNP had a "note of dissent" in the July Charter, the referendum gave voters a direct choice. 

According to Porwar, 70 percent of voters chose "Yes," effectively rejecting the BNP’s earlier objections.

Outlining proposed reforms, Porwar highlighted the need to prevent the prime minister from simultaneously holding a party chief position, the introduction of proportional representation in an upper house, and the creation of independent search committees for appointing constitutional and judicial heads. 

"If these are not implemented, the sacrifices of the July uprising will be in vain," he warned, adding that the current system allows for absolute control over institutional appointments, which could lead back to fascist rule.

He called on the government to convene the Constitutional Reform Council in the upcoming parliamentary session to implement the referendum's outcome through constructive and non-violent means.

Addressing the strained relationship between the two former allies, Porwar noted that the BNP should clarify why they are now using rhetoric similar to the Awami League's against Jamaat. 

He reminded the BNP that Jamaat candidates had contested the 2018 elections under the "Sheaf of Paddy" symbol at the BNP's request due to the alliance's common goals at the time.