Constitution framed by constituent assembly not beyond amendment: Salahuddin
Salahuddin Ahmed says those who favour proportional representation should publicise it in their election manifestos and seek voters’ mandate.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has said the constitution, even if framed by a constituent assembly, would not be beyond amendment.
Speaking at an event today (4 October) at The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, organised to mark the 37th founding anniversary of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Salahuddin said no one should demand that the constitution be made through a constituent assembly.
"If a constitution is enacted through a constituent assembly, does that mean it can never be amended? Was the constitution of 1972 not enacted through a constituent assembly? Did it not have to be amended within a year?
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"If we now take the same framework under the name of a constituent assembly and call it a new constitution, will that make it permanent? Will it become like a religious scripture? Does that mean it cannot be changed? Of course, it can be amended according to the will and needs of the people."
He cautioned against treating the state rule book as a toy. "The constitution is not child's play; we cannot gamble with the fate of 180 million people. The state must run by rule, and we can never bow to any political conspiracy. The people's interest is supreme."
Moreover, Salahuddin warned that any delay in holding the general election will pave the way for fascism and the rise of undemocratic forces.
He also dismissed proportional representation and saying it does not produce a stable government.
He argued that the proportional representation (PR) system does not lead to stable governments. "Governments change every few months – two months, six months, five months, a year – and no one can deliver on promises or public expectations.
"Political commitments are not fulfilled, and nothing for public welfare is implemented. We must not let Bangladesh go through such unstable times," he added.
The BNP leader questioned a recent survey that claims 70% of people support PR and rejected what he called misleading statistics, citing a survey that says 56% do not even understand the system.
He urged political parties to put national interest above narrow party goals and called on those who compromise national interests for political gain to return to the "right path."
On the role of independent candidates under proportional representation, he asked whether they will have any place in such a system.
Salahuddin said those who favour PR should publicise it in their election manifestos and seek voters' mandate, adding that if the people endorse it at the ballot box, they can implement it.
He alleged a party is working to delay the next national election and destabilise the political arena, serving interests that would benefit from a postponed vote.
To solve major issues, Salahuddin called for reasoned debate, democratic practice and national unity.
He expressed hope that the nation will come together on national issues so that the people are the ultimate winners.
