Come to the committee if there is objection to BNP’s ‘note of dissent’ in July Charter: Home Minister to opposition

Salahuddin Ahmed, president of the committee and Home Minister, has called upon the opposition to join the special committee related to constitutional amendment for open discussion if there is any objection regarding the note of dissent or differing opinion given by BNP in the July National Charter. He made this call at a briefing after the fourth meeting of the special committee related to constitutional amendment at the National Parliament Building on Tuesday (September 29).

Salahuddin Ahmed said, “The government wants to amend the constitution in a participatory and inclusive manner through discussion with everyone. In this process, the opinions and proposals of the opposition will also be considered with importance.”

He said, “If there is any objection regarding the issues on which BNP has a note of dissent in the July Charter, open discussion can be held by coming to the special committee.” He also called upon the opposition to give members to the committee for constitutional amendment on the basis of consensus.

Earlier, the special committee formed for constitutional amendment had stated that the July National Charter itself is the main basis of their work. The committee has stated that along with the proposals reached through consensus of the political parties in the Charter, the differing opinions will also be kept under consideration. Although the opportunity for having members in the committee for the opposition has been kept, they have not yet given the names of members, it has been informed from the committee’s side.

The Home Minister said that opinions will also be taken from all those who had participated in the dialogue with the National Consensus Commission led by Professor Ali Riaz. The work of preparing the proposal for constitutional amendment is being advanced by taking opinions of stakeholders of various classes and professions.

Salahuddin Ahmed said that open discussion will also be held in parliament regarding the structure of the caretaker government.

Mentioning that discussion was also held at this time regarding BNP’s proposal to keep the tenure of the Prime Minister at a maximum of 10 years, he said, “Some are mentioning this as undemocratic in the discussion. However, BNP will remain firm on the necessity of preventing person-centric autocracy.”

The special committee is already exchanging views with various stakeholders including political parties, journalists, lawyers and constitutional experts. The work of finalising the proposal for constitutional amendment is being advanced by reviewing these opinions.