BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that any fundamental changes to the constitution or the establishment of a new constitution should come from a parliament elected by the people.
Speaking with reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Saturday, he responded to questions about the constitution's fundamental changes, saying that while nothing is impossible, it is a difficult task.
He said: "The interim government should have formed a revolutionary government and not taken an oath under this constitution. That hasn’t happened. Therefore, amendments must be made with the current constitution in mind. We are also initiating discussions within our party on what changes can be made to the constitution."
Regarding the committee formed by the interim government for constitutional amendments, Mirza Fakhrul said that the individuals assigned to this task are undoubtedly high-calibre experts who will do a great job, but it is crucial to consider the people's demands.
During the informal exchange, he answered various questions about the interim government, its tenure, constitutional amendments, the return of Sheikh Hasina, and the conflicts between hill people and Bengalis in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
On the topic of constitutional changes, he emphasized that to amend the constitution, one must first engage with the people to understand how they want the changes. "While a few experts can propose changes, fundamental alterations or a new constitution require a constituent assembly. It’s essential to consider public opinion, as well as the legal aspects."
Mirza Fakhrul said that the people's mandate is the safest basis for significant constitutional changes.
He said: "There should be elections. With the necessary reforms for a free and fair election—such as in the Election Commission and the administration—once elections are held, you can make all necessary changes in parliament. The safest approach would be to secure the people's mandate if you want to make fundamental changes."
