The National Citizen’s Committee has called for drafting a new constitution, holding the existing one responsible for enforced disappearances, killings, and justice obstruction over the past 15 years.
They stressed the need for a provision mandating a referendum for constitutional amendments, stating, “Amendments cannot be made solely by a two-thirds majority in the legislature without a referendum.”
During a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today (3 December), the committee’s spokesperson, Samantha Sharmin, and Secretary, Akhtar Hossain, presented their 69-point recommendations to the Constitution Reform Commission.
The committee, in its recommendations, called for adoption of the Proclamation of the Liberation War as the preamble of the First Republic and adoption of the Proclamation of Second Republic and incorporate it into the Constitution.
Additional proposals included the establishment of a bicameral legislature and the introduction of direct presidential elections, committee members told The Business Standard today.
They also recommend a Constituent Assembly be elected under a new legal framework in order to draft the new Constitution. Once the Constitution is finalised, the Constituent Assembly should transition into the legislature.
Earlier, Nasiruddin Patwari, convener of the Citizen’s Committee, said they do not accept the current constitution.
“The previous constitution was annulled by the will of the people on 5 August. We do not recognise this constitution and never will. It represents fascism and is responsible for disappearances, killings, and obstruction of justice for 2,000 martyrs.
Committee member Sarwar Tusher highlighted key aspects of the proposals, including the inclusion of the mass uprising as the constitution’s preamble.
Among the members who attended the meeting were Sarwar Tusher, Advocate Mukul Mustafiz, Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa, Atiq Mujahid and Saleh Uddin Sifat.
From the Constitutional Reform Commission, the head of the commission Ali Riaz was present alongside other members Firoz Ahmed, Mustain Zahir, Sumaiya Khair, Professor Mohammad Ikramul Haque, Moin Alam Firoz, and Barrister Imran Siddiqui.
Besides, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement representatives also met the Constitution Reform Commission at its office in the Jatiya Sangsad bhaban today.
