Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has strongly opposed key reform proposals put forward by the National Consensus Commission, particularly the recommendation to accord the July 2024 Uprising the same significance as the 1971 Liberation War in the preamble of the Constitution.
The party also rejected proposals to change the name of the state, curb the powers of the Election Commission, and establish a National Constitution Council.
While BNP expressed support for the introduction of a bicameral parliament and an increase in the number of reserved seats for women, it held differing views on the procedural aspects of these changes.
A three-member BNP delegation, led by Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, submitted the party’s written proposals to the commission’s Vice-Chairman Professor Dr Ali Riaz.
These proposals covered constitutional amendments, public administration, the judiciary, the electoral process, and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
BNP objects to changes in the constitutional preamble
Speaking to reporters, Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the commission’s proposal did not explicitly reference the preamble of the constitution.
He emphasised that the preamble is a fundamental component of the Constitution and any significant revision would, in essence, amount to rewriting it.
The BNP leader particularly criticised the proposal to equate the 2024 mass uprising with the 1971 Liberation War, calling it inappropriate.
He suggested that such historical events should either be addressed separately or placed in the schedule section of the constitution.
He further stated that BNP supports the preamble as it existed prior to the 15th Amendment and rejects the current proposal for its modification.
BNP also objected to the suggestion of altering the country’s name in the constitution, arguing that the people of Bangladesh have long accepted the existing name through continued usage.
Salahuddin Ahmed asserted that such a change would yield no tangible benefit, and therefore, BNP remains firmly opposed to it.
