Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the government wants to amend the Constitution through consensus so that the changes reflect the aspirations of the people.
Speaking before the first meeting of the special committee formed to amend the Constitution at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Salahuddin, who chairs the committee, said: "We want to adopt constitutional amendments on the basis of compromise and consensus, so that they fulfil the expectations of the people."
He said the committee would work to incorporate the country's ongoing democratic reforms and evolving state structure into the Constitution.
"This was our commitment, and it remains so. We will hold discussions with the opposition after finalizing the date, time and participant list," he said.
The minister added that the committee had yet to receive the names of five representatives expected from the opposition but expressed hope they would be submitted soon.
"We hope they will understand. Once they provide the names, we will hold discussions with them," he said.
Salahuddin said the committee would consider proposals from all political parties, whether they attend meetings or submit recommendations in writing.
"If they participate in the meetings, that is welcome. Even if they send their opinions in writing, we will accept those as well. We want to prepare an acceptable amendment report after consulting everyone," he said.
Asked whether amending the Constitution would be a major challenge, the minister said the committee viewed it as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
"There is no challenge before this committee. We have expectations. We are liberal and open, and we want to listen to everyone," he said.
Referring to last year's student-led mass uprising, Salahuddin said the sacrifices and aspirations of those involved should be reflected in the country's democratic future.
"The nation has high expectations following the student-public uprising. We must build Bangladesh in line with those aspirations and strengthen the democratic process. To preserve democracy, we must also safeguard the Constitution," he said.
Regarding who would be consulted, Salahuddin said the committee would decide on its consultation process at its first meeting.
"We have just begun our work. We will decide today whom to consult. Representatives from different sectors and professionals may also express interest, and we will speak with all of them," he said.
Regarding the July Charter, he said the committee would incorporate provisions agreed upon by political parties while recording dissenting opinions separately.
"The points agreed upon in the July National Charter will be included as a document of political consensus. Issues on which there were dissenting opinions will be recorded as notes of dissent. We will also retain commitments from our election manifesto and discuss issues that may have been debated but were not ultimately reflected in the charter," he said.
