BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that a country does not become a developed democracy simply because all issues are addressed in the constitution. This has been proven in many countries, he said, adding that many necessary reforms can be enacted through legislation in Parliament.
Disagreeing with the idea of holding Constituent Assembly elections, Salahuddin said that while such an assembly is indeed needed to draft a new constitution, Bangladesh already has a functioning—albeit flawed—constitution. He noted that excessive partisanship has weakened the existing constitution, which is why several reform commissions have been formed over the years.
Welcoming the proposal to include provisions for trying political parties under the International Crimes Tribunal Act, Salahuddin said that the BNP had raised this demand on February 5 and submitted it in writing to the Chief Adviser on February 10. He emphasized that the law should be implemented properly so that no questions arise, either domestically or internationally.
Nahid Islam, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), said the constitution has been amended multiple times in the past to serve the will of a single individual. “So many people shed their blood in a mass uprising, yet it is unfortunate that we could not reach a consensus on fundamental constitutional changes,” he said.
Stating that the NCP has submitted its own outline for fundamental reforms, Nahid stressed that a Constituent Assembly is necessary for making such changes. "The people's mandate is essential for fundamental reforms, which cannot be achieved through constitutional amendments alone," he added. The NCP has proposed that the elected parliament should function both as the legislature and the Constituent Assembly.
Clarifying that the ongoing reform discussions are unrelated to delaying or advancing elections, the NCP convener said the party supports the election timeline announced by the Chief Adviser. However, he insisted that the framework for fundamental reforms must be clarified before the country goes to polls.
“We’ve made some progress in the judicial process by banning the Awami League,” Nahid said. “If a clear roadmap is provided for how long the trials will take, it will boost public confidence. And if a consensus is reached on reforms, no one should have any objection to the election.”
Jonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon, commented at the reform meeting that “fundamental reform does not necessarily mean rewriting the constitution or drafting a new one. A Constituent Assembly is required only when a new constitution is to be formulated.”
AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju voiced his support for rewriting the constitution, stating that it is necessary.
Meanwhile, Selim Uddin, a member of the Jamaat-e-Islami Central Executive Council, emphasized that reform must first take place in the political mindset. “No one is saying it outright, but there’s a consensus that elections cannot be held without reforms. The people will not accept elections unless meaningful changes are made.
