Minister without portfolio Suranjit Sengupta on Wednesday said Awami League will not amend the constitution any more on minor grounds.
“The main spirit of the 1972 constitution has been restored through the 15th amendment. We don’t want to amend the constitution any more on trivial grounds. Awami League won’t bring the 16th amendment,” he told a discussion in the city.
Pointing at BNP, Surnjit, also an AL advisory council member, said, “If you (BNP) want to amend the constitution, come to parliament with majority.”
Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote organised the discussion, titled ‘General Election in line with the Constitution and Conspiracy of BNP and Anti-liberation Forces’, at Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the National Library.
The minister said Moudud alleged that Awami League was trying to cling to power forever. “But the allegation has been proved false by the prime minister’s announcement over of the election time and roadmap during her meeting with secretaries,” he added.
“A wonderful democratic environment has been created after the premier’s announcement. It’s high time for negotiations over the election-time government. Hence, the opposition will have to place a proposal within the constitutional framework right now. Now there’s a scope for negotiation within the ambit of the constitution,” he said.
As per the article 72 of the constitution, the President shall summon the parliamentary session within two months after the previous sitting. But the provision will not remain in effect after the election time starts, he further said.
The cabinet and parliament will have no power during the election. ”So, no one can exert any influence during the polls,” he added.
“No one could raise question regarding the elections held in the country after the reconstitution of the Election Commission. The Commission is independent and neutral. It’s entrusted with all the electoral responsibilities. It’ll hold a fair and neutral election,” he said.
About BNP’s allegation that the incumbent EC is subservient to the government, he said it is of BNP’s political strategy. “BNP talked to the commission over phone taking it into confidence. Leader like MK Anwar was sent to the Commission frequently. So, the allegation is unbelievable.”
AL Dhaka city unit organizing secretary Shahe Alam Murad, actor ATM Shamsuzzaman, Arun Sarker and Ferdous Khan ALamgir of Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, among others, spoke at the programme.
Source: UNB Connect
