Fakhrul demands Parliament’s control over constitutional changes

He says people will never accept an indefinite interim government

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for parliament to be entrusted with any fundamental changes to the constitution or state system.

He criticised the attempts to keep the interim government in power ‘indefinitely’, warning that the public would never accept such a move.

Fakhrul’s comments came during a discussion on 'Bicameral Parliament: Formation of the Upper House' organised by the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, or JaSaD, at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium on Monday.

He emphasised the need for minimal reforms in the Election Commission, judiciary, and administration to ensure free and fair elections.

“The interim government is here to manage the state temporarily and arrange elections. Any reform or change, particularly fundamental ones, should not be decided without public involvement. The only appropriate place for such decisions is Parliament,” remarked the BNP leader.

He highlighted his party’s stance on the need for a neutral government for elections, pointing out that the Election Commission has been dissolved and needs to be reconstituted impartially for fair elections.

Mirza Fakhrul also responded to discussions initiated by some groups about rewriting the constitution or amending it under the caretaker administration.

"Elections must be held under a truly neutral government. After the election, the newly elected representatives will decide what changes are necessary," he said.

"Only parliament can decide whether changes are needed or if the constitution needs to be rewritten entirely."

Fakhrul also criticised the Awami League government, accusing it of damaging the country's political and economic systems.

“Democratic institutions have been destroyed, the administration has been politicised, and the judiciary has been manipulated, taking it to the brink of collapse.

PUBLIC WILL NOT ACCEPT AN ‘INDEFINITE’ INTERIM GOVERNMENT

Mirza Fakhrul rejected suggestions that the interim government remain in place indefinitely.

He said, "They [the interim government] will make all the changes, reforms, everything. In that case, the public is no longer needed, and parliament is no longer needed."

Fakhrul also questioned the legitimacy of a recent survey purportedly conducted by the BRAC Institute, which allegedly suggested that most people support the interim government staying in power as long as necessary.

"I don’t know where they got this information or how they conducted this survey, but the people will never accept it," he added.

Mirza Fakhrul advised against disseminating such misleading reports and urged careful consideration to avoid creating confusion.

He expressed concern about efforts to undermine public aspirations for revolution. “Efforts to destroy these aspirations have already begun. I am surprised when I see our educated people, those who hold importance in society, making misleading statements.

“It is astonishing to hear calls for forming new parties from those who have been given responsibilities by the current government.”

He added, "Who gave them the authority to suggest creating a new party? How can we or the public think they are working neutrally when they say such things?"