Citizen’s Committee seeks new constitution, provides 69 proposals

The National Citizen Committee has called for drafting a new constitution, holding the existing one responsible for enforced disappearances, killings, and justice obstruction over the past 15 years.

The committee has prepared 69 proposals for submission to the Constitution Reform Commission, including declaring a Second Republic, establishing a bicameral legislature, and introducing direct presidential elections, members told The Business Standard today (2 December).

Samantha Sharmin, the committee's spokesperson, said, "We want a rewrite of the constitution. The 69 proposals aim to incorporate the people's will into it."

The committee is scheduled to hold a dialogue with the Constitution Reform Commission tomorrow at 11:30am.

Nasiruddin Patwari, the convener of the Citizen's Committee, said they do not accept the current constitution.

"The previous constitution was annulled by the will of the people on 5 August. We do not recognise this constitution and never will. It represents fascism and is responsible for disappearances, killings, and obstruction of justice for 2,000 martyrs.

"Mujibism supporters remain entrenched in institutions, and we demand a Constituent Assembly to abolish these elements," he said.

Committee member Sarwar Tusher highlighted key aspects of the proposals, including the inclusion of the uprising in the constitution's preamble.

"We demand a Second Republic, direct presidential elections by popular vote, and a bicameral legislature," he said.

Six-point demand announced

Earlier at a press conference held yesterday at the Citizen's Committee's central office on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, the committee had announced six demands.

The six demands include disclosing all agreements with India and cancelling unequal and environmentally harmful pacts; ensuring equitable river water sharing between India and Bangladesh; and bringing commodity prices within the purchasing power of citizens.

Additionally, the committee demands ensuring justice for attacks and land grabs targeting marginalised communities, including Hindus and Buddhists, over the past 15 years; recovering laundered money and bringing it back to the country; and bringing Sheikh Hasina back to the country immediately and holding her accountable through trial.

Member secretary Akhtar Hossain also outlined the committee's plans for December, which include worker assemblies in Bosila, Rajendrapur, Joydebpur, Kashimpur, Savar, Ashulia, Baipail, and Uttara from 6 to 9 December.

Marking International Human Rights Day on 10 December, the committee will organise programmes across thanas and upazilas, including a protest rally at the Central Shaheed Minar.

The rally will demand justice for human rights violations, including disappearances, killings, crossfires, and rapes allegedly committed under the Awami League government.

Additionally, the Citizen's Committee has submitted 13 reform proposals to the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission, including restructuring the ACC as a constitutional investigative body.

Akhtar Hossain said, "These actions are necessary to address the injustices of the past 15 years and establish a fair and accountable governance system."