BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir thinks that the current constitution of the country should be rewritten, as the Awami League government has damaged it through various amendments, including the incorporation of certain unchangeable articles.
In an interview with UNB, he, however, said the current interim government should only make necessary amendments to the constitution to facilitate a national election rather than pursuing major amendments or reformulating the national charter.
Fakhrul said the national parliament, which will be formed through the next election, will determine whether to retain the current constitution with amendments or formulate a new one.
He also said the BNP is ready for the next national election, but the party plans to hold its 7th national council before the polls to ensure better leadership and preparation.
This is the final report in a three-part series based on a recent interview with Mirza Fakhrul, who discussed various issues, including the current political situation, government reforms, the national election, BNP's future plans, and the party's council.
"The constitution must be changed. The Awami League has completely dented it with various amendments,” Fakhrul said.
He said certain articles in the constitution cannot be amended for life. “If you change these articles, you will be hanged. Given the current state of the constitution, it should be rewritten.”
The BNP leader said an elected government and parliament are necessary for making a final decision about the constitution. “A constitutional assembly also would be needed to reformulate the constitution, which takes time… let the elected parliament decide.”
Article 7B of the constitution, following the 15th amendment, rendered a large section of the constitution non-amendable.
According to Article 7B, “Notwithstanding anything contained in article 142 of the Constitution, the preamble, all articles of Part I, all articles of Part II, subject to the provisions of Part IXA all articles of Part III, and the provisions of articles relating to the basic structures of the Constitution including article 150 of Part XI shall not be amendable by way of insertion, modification, substitution, repeal or by any other means.”
