Four reform commissions submitted their reports to the Chief Adviser on January 15 as part of the reform program undertaken by the interim government. BNP is disheartened by some of the proposals given by these commissions. Talking to several leaders of the party, it is known that BNP has strong objections to some proposals even though they agree to the reforms. In particular, there is disagreement about the recommendations for changes in the basic principles of the constitution. However, the party is not officially announcing anything about this right now.
Last Wednesday, the chief adviser on the reform of the constitution, election, police and ACC. The heads of the respective commissions submitted their reports to Muhammad Yunus. The Constitution Reform Commission in its proposal recommended that Bangladesh be renamed as 'People's Republic of Bangladesh' instead of 'People's Republic of Bangladesh'. Along with this, the commission has recommended to exclude secularism, nationalism and socialism from the principles of state management and include equality, human dignity, social justice, pluralism and democracy as the principles of the constitution and the principles of state management. Basically, BNP has strong objection to these proposals of the Constitution Reform Commission.
A leader of the party said on condition of anonymity that BNP has no objection to the proposal of election-related reforms. However, the party has strong objection to the proposal to reform the four principles of the constitution. BNP will not accept the proposal of pluralism except nationalism. At the same time, the party did not take well the proposal of 'People's Republic of Bangladesh' instead of 'People's Republic of Bangladesh'. Due to these reasons, BNP did not want to go to the all-party meeting called by the chief adviser on the July declaration last Thursday. But considering the situation, it was finally decided to send a representative.
Meanwhile, regardless of the reforms or the manifesto, BNP is still in its previous position demanding elections.
The party leaders do not see any reason to delay the elections due to reforms.
BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan said, 'In 1991, the election ceremony was held in the middle of three months of the formation of caretaker government. This has happened more in the 53-year history. Interim government has already completed 6 months. We have asked for elections between July and August. That means even after 12 months, why the election will not be possible?'
Addressing the government with the reform initiative, he said, 'The main responsibility of them (the government) should not be forgotten. The main responsibility of the interim government is to establish a people's government. Reforms must be done. But we all have to focus on the main objective, the establishment of a people's government.'
Some of the BNP leaders also advised the government to continue the election preparations along with reforms if necessary. Advisor to BNP Chairperson Zainul Abdin Farooq said in a gathering at the National Press Club of the capital yesterday, 'Reforms will continue, preparations for elections will also continue. I demand the announcement of election date immediately.' Addressing the interim government, he said, 'There is no need for so many reforms to hold an election like in 1991. The reforms that will enable the people to buy rice at 40 rupees are necessary.'
Earlier, the leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement on the constitution had said to bury the '72 constitution. BNP has strongly criticized and protested against such statements. In a press conference on January 14, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, 'Constitutional experts should also be talked to. Because, there are many things about the constitution, which we have to see.'
Meanwhile, it is known that BNP has some kind of plan with the current reform commission if elected and comes to power. On the condition of anonymity, a central leader of the party said that there is a plan to use those who are now working in various reform commissions.
Stating that BNP is not interested in the July manifesto, this leader said, BNP has adopted the strategy of 'catch fish and do not touch water' with the discussed manifesto.
