Constitution will be amended thru political consensus: Salahuddin 

Chairman of the Parliamentary Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Tuesday that Bangladesh’s proposed constitutional amendments will be drafted through broad political consensus to reflect public aspirations and reinforce democratic governance. 

Speaking to reporters ahead of the committee’s inaugural meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Salahuddin said the reform initiative would translate the country’s democratic aspirations into constitutional provisions as part of Bangladesh’s ongoing state restructuring process.

“The constitutional amendment will be made on the basis of consensus so that it reflects the aspirations of the people and contributes to strengthening democratic governance,” 
he said.

The minister said the committee would engage all political parties and relevant stakeholders to prepare an amendment package that is widely acceptable and capable of sustaining long-term democratic reforms.

Emphasising an inclusive approach, Salahuddin noted that the opposition had yet to submit the names of its five nominees to the committee.

“Once they submit the names, we will include them and begin discussions,” he said, adding that the committee would welcome participation from opposition parties both inside and outside parliament.

He said political parties, civil society representatives, professionals and individual citizens would have the opportunity to present their views either by attending committee meetings or through written submissions, all of which would be given due consideration.

Responding to a question about opposition participation, the Home Minister said the committee’s doors would remain open at all times. “We will always welcome them,” he said.

Asked whether constitutional reform would face major obstacles, Salahuddin said the committee’s priority was not to focus on challenges but to fulfil the expectations of the people.

He said the reform process should embody the spirit of the July mass uprising, honour the sacrifices of those who lost their lives, and help build a stronger and more democratic state.

The committee will hold consultations in phases with representatives from various professions, constitutional experts and other stakeholders, he said, adding that the scope of consultations could be expanded if necessary, although no timetable has yet been finalised.

On the proposed July National Charter, Salahuddin said provisions that had already secured political consensus would be incorporated into the constitutional amendment bill.

He added that issues accompanied by dissenting opinions would also be documented, while important proposals emerging from inter-party dialogue or election manifestos-but not included in the July National Charter-would be considered through further consultations.

“Our objective is to formulate a constitutional amendment that is inclusive, sustainable and genuinely reflects the aspirations of the people through broad-based consultations,” he said.

The committee’s first meeting was attended by Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman and committee members Zainul Abedin, Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, Andaleeve Rahman, Md Nurul Haque, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Farzana Sharmin, Sakila Farzana and Md Mahmudul Haque Rubel.