Dhaka:The 6th meeting of the special committee on the constitutional amendment of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) took place in the cabinet room of the JS Bhaban today. The session was chaired by Committee Chairman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, with participation from Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman, State Minister for Planning Md. Junaid Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque, and Sakila Farzana.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, representatives from the families of July martyrs and injured July Warriors also took part in the meeting. They shared their views and proposals on issues such as constitutional recognition of the July Mass Uprising, incorporation of the 'July Declaration' into the constitution, legal protection for July Warriors, prosecution for genocide and crimes against humanity, and the provision of medical treatment and rehabilitation for the injured.
Discussions included a proposal to permanently embed the spirit and declaration of the July Mass Uprising into the constitution. Participants expressed the need to address harassment and legal issues faced by July Warriors, ensure their legal protection, and expedite trials for crimes committed during the uprising.
The meeting also saw proposals and opinions aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, particularly focusing on the judiciary, the Election Commission, the caretaker government system, and including a provision for referendums on significant constitutional amendments.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the involvement of women in the July uprising and stressed the necessity of a safe and non-discriminatory political environment for them. Proposals for constitutional amendments presented by the invited guests were accepted for consideration by the committee, with an invitation for additional written submissions.
Officials from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the National Parliament Secretariat were also in attendance.