Jamaat warns of street movement if constitutional reforms not implemented

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar today (17 July) urged the government to convene a session of the proposed Constitution Reform Council in parliament, warning that failure to implement constitutional reforms could lead to a street movement.

Speaking to journalists after attending a party members' conference at the Narsingdi Shishu Academy auditorium, Porwar said the current political crisis could be resolved through constitutional reforms based on the outcome of a referendum linked to the proposed July Charter.

"If the government wants to avoid political confrontation, it should convene the Constitution Reform Council session in parliament, take the oath and implement the constitutional reforms in line with the July Charter by accepting the referendum verdict," he said.

"If that is not done, we will have no option but to take to the streets," he added. Responding to a question about the possible return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Porwar said the matter was a legal issue and the responsibility of the government.

"The government has banned the activities of her party, and it will decide the matter," he said.

He alleged that the ousted Awami League government carried out widespread repression during the July-August movement and those responsible should face trial.

Porwar also said the political future of the Awami League should be determined by the people rather than by any single political party.

He further criticised India for providing shelter to Sheikh Hasina and alleged that she was continuing political activities from New Delhi. He also accused India of violating international obligations by allowing her to remain there.