Dhaka: BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that his party does not support the proposal to change the country’s name, nor does it agree with equating the 2024 mass uprising with the 1971 liberation war.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Salahuddin made these remarks while addressing journalists after submitting BNP’s written opinion on constitutional and electoral reforms to the National Consensus Commission at its office in Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. He emphasized that the recommendation to alter the constitution’s preambles by placing 1971 and 2024 in the same context is inappropriate. The BNP believes there is no necessity to change the state’s name, a sentiment rooted in the long-standing acceptance by the people of Bangladesh.
Salahuddin further elaborated on BNP’s stance regarding certain proposals from the Electoral Reform Commission. He voiced concerns that the independence of the Election Commission (EC) could be compromised if specific recommendations are implemented. The BNP asserts that the EC should retain authority over the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies and the issuance of national identity cards.
Additionally, Salahuddin highlighted BNP’s disagreement with the proposal to empower a parliamentary committee to hold the Election Commission accountable. He also mentioned that the party does not support proposals that would diminish the power of elected representatives to amend the constitution. Instead, he advocated for parliamentary elections to be prioritized over referendums.
The National Consensus Commission had previously reached out to 37 political parties on March 6, seeking their views on 166 reform proposals through letters and spreadsheets.