'BNP had to swim with hands and feet tied' over reform commission proposals: MP Selim

The BNP had to submit dissenting notes on 16 of the 84 reform recommendations in the July National Charter as proposals from various reform commissions left the party with little room to manoeuvre, Lakshmipur-1 BNP lawmaker Shahadat Hossain Selim said today (8 August).

"The proposals from various reform commissions were framed in such a way that the BNP had to swim with its hands and feet tied," he said. Selim made these remarks while speaking at a discussion titled "Where Reform Stands? Progress, Challenges and the Way Forward Dialogue for Democratic Reconstruction on July National Charter," organised by the Centre for Governance Studies at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital.

He said unnecessary confusion was being created over the implementation of the July Charter and that its contents should first be examined before drawing conclusions.

According to Selim, the July Charter is essentially a pledge outlining reforms in areas including the state system, constitution, elections, judiciary, public representation and prevention of corruption. Implementing the reforms would require necessary amendments, additions and revisions to the constitution and existing laws, as well as the enactment of new laws, he said.

"The July Charter does not make a referendum or the formation of a constituent assembly mandatory. During lengthy discussions with political parties, there were different opinions and objections to various proposals. Even if there are notes of dissent on certain issues, those can be discussed. But ultimately, the people's verdict is the most important," he said.

The lawmaker also said a political party could include the reform proposals in its election manifesto and seek the people's support, after which an elected government and parliament could implement them. "Obtaining a mandate from the people through elections and carrying out the necessary constitutional and legal reforms in parliament is the most realistic path forward," he said.

'Respect the people's verdict' Speaking at the discussion, Tasmia Prodhan, a lawmaker from the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, said various decisions on state reform had been taken through lengthy discussions and consensus following the July Mass Uprising. "Later, nearly 70% of voters backed the reforms in the referendum. But despite this, no initiative has been taken to form a constitution reform council. This is disrespectful to the people's mandate," she said.

She also said the formation of a constitution reform council was also included in the first point of the BNP's 31-point demand. The opposition should have enough opportunity to discuss bills and put forward their views in parliament, she added. She also called for a Supreme Court Secretariat and greater political participation by women.

Razekuzzaman Ratan, general secretary of the Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, said the constitution should not be treated as "sacred" to the point that necessary amendments become impossible. "Room must be kept for necessary amendments. Establishing a balance of power between the president and the prime minister is essential. Making parliament effective can help balance the prime minister's unilateral power," he added.

'Reform process must be participatory' Sharif Bhuiyan, senior advocate and former member of the Constitution Reform Commission, said the process of constitutional amendment or reform must be participatory. "The constitution is not merely a legal document; it is also a political document. Therefore, political consensus and public participation are essential for any changes to it," he added.

He also called for legal reforms to strengthen institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Supreme Court Secretariat and Police Commission, while respecting the mandate given by voters in the referendum.

Sarwar Tushar, joint convener of the National Citizens Party, said starting discussions on constitutional amendments from scratch instead of implementing the July Charter would hinder the reform process rather than move it forward.

"The process that has moved forward over the past two years through various reform commissions, the National Consensus Commission, the July Charter and the referendum is now being called into question," he said.

Tushar said almost 70% of voters had backed reforms in the referendum and that implementing that public verdict was therefore the main responsibility.

"Instead of political gain, we must respect the people's verdict, implement the July Charter and ensure the necessary reforms," he said.