Laws or constitution cannot be changed through referendum: Salahuddin

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that laws or constitutional amendments cannot be enacted through a referendum, stressing that a new national parliament must be formed first.

He made the remarks during a silent rally and gathering titled “Prepared and Aware Women Against Increasing Violence and Disrespect” in front of the capital's National Museum on Friday (November 14), organised by the Women and Children Rights Forum.

Salahuddin welcomed the Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ announcement that a referendum on implementing the July National Charter will be held alongside the next national election.

He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to the July charter but warned that any forced proposals outside it should be considered by the public, emphasizing the need to protect parliamentary sovereignty.

He also accused a political party of using religion to hinder women’s rights and progress, citing proposals to reduce women’s working hours as a threat to employment and advancement.

The event was chaired by Selima Rahman, BNP Standing Committee member and forum convener.

Other speakers included Nipun Rai Chowdhury, Chowdhury Saima Ferdous of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, Professor Nahrin Islam Khan of Jahangirnagar University, and former Member of the Parliament Bilkis Islam and Nilufa Chowdhury, among others.