Staff Correspondent:

Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki said that amending the Constitution without elected representatives is difficult and there are two aspects to reform.

Zonayed made the comment while speaking to journalists after paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar on the occasion of Independence Day on Wednesday.

He said that multiple areas of reform exist — some of which can be addressed through executive orders even before the elections, while others require structural changes that must be undertaken by elected representatives.

The Ganosamhati Andolon leader said: “We have repeatedly emphasized that, regarding reforms, the Consensus Commission has already taken an initiative. It was the responsibility of all political parties to come to an agreement and establish a unified position. This consensus would then be presented as our National Charter, and changes would be introduced accordingly.

“For areas where disagreements exist, political parties need to engage in broader public discourse to build support. The extent of the reforms will ultimately depend on the people’s mandate.”

He further said: “Many of the reforms we seek may be possible through executive orders even before the elections. However, for those requiring constitutional amendments, we have proposed that the next election should ensure the formation of a constitutional reform council that can amend the constitution with the people’s mandate.”

Zonayed emphasized: “Since reform has been established as our goal, the next parliament should function as a constitutional reform council, carrying out reforms with the full mandate of the people. As a result, the judiciary will not need to determine whether these reforms align with the existing constitution but will instead safeguard the reformed constitution.

“This is crucial, as the reforms must be completed with the people’s mandate. There is still enough time to reach a consensus, and the reforms that can be implemented through executive orders should proceed accordingly. We believe there is ample time for reform.”

While paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, he said: “On this Independence Day, first and foremost, we extend our deepest respect to all who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh’s liberation struggle, both before and after 1971. Every time Independence Day is celebrated, it holds immense significance. This year, it carries even greater importance as it coincides with the final days of Ramadan, a time when people are heading home for the holidays.”

“This Independence Day has arrived with even deeper significance. In particular, the mass uprising in July and August 2024 has revived the aspirations and dreams that emerged during Bangladesh’s liberation struggle. It has reignited the vision born from 1971,” he added.

Zonayed continued: “The state’s commitment to equal opportunities, human dignity, and social justice for all citizens has not been fulfilled in these 54 years. The July uprising has once again brought forth the dream of an equal Bangladesh and rekindled the spirit of 1971. The sacrifices made during those months—the martyrs and the injured—have provided Bangladesh with another opportunity to rethink how we can restructure the state and its institutions in favor of the people.

“This struggle is ongoing, and the work continues. We hope that political forces and the people of the country will remain aware and united in this crucial task of building a democratic state that is essential for our citizens.”