Constitution reform possible before elections: Ali Riaz

Several issues of the constitution can be amended before the elections, said the head of the Constitution Reform Commission Prof Dr Ali Riaz.

"For a free and fair election, several issues of the constitution can definitely be amended before the elections, but it depends on the decision of the government and political parties," he told a press briefing at the commission office at Jatiya Sangsad in the capital on Thursday (February 13).

Prof Riaz said they have identified some problems and informed the government about this and hoped that the government will take a decision soon on this matter and make the necessary reforms.

“Therefore, it can be said that constitutional reform is definitely possible before the elections,” he added.

In response to a question, he said whether the constitution will be amended through a referendum or not is also a matter for the consideration of the government and political parties.

The people’s opinion has never been taken in the past to amend the constitution and this led to many crises and complications, he noted.

Before the elections, he said, there must have a consensus among the political parties on reforms and they must be committed for implementing those reforms after the elections.