Chattogram: Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider today emphasized that the primary objective of the upcoming referendum on reforms is to eliminate conditions that could lead to future coups in the country. “No parent should have to bear the pain of carrying the lifeless body of their beloved child. The referendum aims to put an end to such tragedies,” he remarked while addressing a discussion meeting as the chief guest, part of a nationwide awareness campaign on the forthcoming referendum.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussion was jointly organized by Chittagong University (CU) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) at the Social Science Faculty auditorium of CU, with UGC Member Prof Mohammad Ayub Islam presiding. CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Yahiya Akhter attended the program as the chief patron. The event saw participation from vice-chancellors, pro vice-chancellors, treasurers, deans, and registrars of various government and private universities under the Chattogram Division, as well as guardians of student martyrs and injured fighters of the July Uprising.
Monir Haider clarified that the referendum, scheduled for February 12, is the result of a careful and well-considered process, rather than a hasty decision. He explained that the questions and framework of the referendum were finalized through extensive discussions and consultations with political parties and experienced individuals. Emphasizing that the referendum is not driven by partisan interests, he stated it reflects a collective effort to guide the state towards a sustainable and equitable future, ensuring people’s consent on critical state issues.
Addressing concerns about the timing of the referendum, Haider refuted claims of a sudden announcement, attributing such assertions to either a lack of understanding or deliberate misinformation. He underscored that each step of the process was planned based on political consensus and practical wisdom. He acknowledged a lack of clarity about the referendum’s contents among certain sections of society and urged participants to clarify its purpose and context within their respective networks.
Highlighting constitutional history, Monir Haider noted that in the 54 years since independence, the constitution has been amended numerous times, with only one amendment in 1996 serving the national interest. He recalled the transition from a presidential to a parliamentary system through constitutional amendment and referendum carried out by the BNP government under Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. “Except for the 1996 amendment, most others primarily served individual or group interests,” he observed.
Explaining proposed reforms under the July Charter, he detailed the creation of an Upper House of Parliament comprising 100 members elected through a proportional representation (PR) system. This system would allow even those parties without national election seats, but with a certain percentage of votes, to be represented in the Upper House. He highlighted that no party in Bangladesh has ever received more than 40 percent of total votes, and constitutional amendments would require 51 percent approval from members of both houses, necessitating consensus with other parties.
Haider added that certain laws would require public approval through a referendum even after passing both houses, citing the example of any future decision to abolish the caretaker government system. Addressing presidential powers, he questioned the actual role of the president, whose key functions, such as judicial appointments, are effectively carried out by the prime minister. He criticized past presidential practices of excessive expenditure despite limited responsibilities and proposed reforms for electing the president through a secret ballot by both legislative houses.
He also criticized Article 70 of the Constitution for making parliament members subservient to their parties and advocated for reforms allowing MPs to vote against party lines, except in specific cases like votes of confidence, state emergencies, and the national budget. Monir Haider stressed the need to reform the Election Commission, arguing that the current system grants excessive power to the prime minister in its formation. He called for a transparent process involving both ruling and opposition parties in parliament and supported an impartial formation of the Public Service Commission.
Clarifying the government’s stance, he mentioned that while the government campaigns for a “Yes” vote, citizens are free to vote “No” if they choose. CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Yahiya Akhter, speaking on the occasion, highlighted the historic opportunity created by the supreme sacrifices of students during the July Uprising to reform the state and bring meaningful changes for a lasting democratic society. He emphasized the significance of implementing the July National Charter, the referendum, and the proposed reforms for the country’s future.