Constitutional amendment is the only available path before the current government to implement state reforms and the people’s mandate according to the commitments of the July Charter, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said in parliament on Monday.
“The primary goal of those who received the people’s mandate in this election is to implement every line, semicolon, and punctuation of the July Charter letter by letter,” the chief whip said while speaking as the chief guest during a views-exchange meeting with journalists at the LD Hall of the National Parliament.
The four other whips were also present at the meeting.
Emphasising the economic and social security of common people, the chief whip said the core philosophy of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is to ensure food for every person in the country and secure employment for people of all classes and professions.
“The most basic need of human life is food. To fulfil this need, a healthy democracy is necessary. If a democratic environment exists and social stability is maintained, people get the opportunity to become economically self-reliant,” he said.
Highlighting the political context, the chief whip recalled that after independence, extreme oppression was inflicted on the people during a particular regime. “From those ruins, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman restored multi-party democracy and made a famine-stricken nation self-sufficient in food within three years. Later, Begum Khaleda Zia also worked to restore the shattered economy and democracy.”
However, he alleged, during the rule of the past decade and a half, the country’s democracy and economy were once again devastated. “With Tk27 lakh crore stolen from the country, the economy now stands at a fragile juncture,” he said.
The chief whip noted that parliament is currently operating based on the constitution, and even the interim government and Election Commission took their oaths based on it. However, to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people, there is no alternative to amending the constitution.
“Our leader Tarique Rahman is determined to adhere to every condition of the July Charter. Through constructive participation of the opposition and through commissions and parliamentary committees in light of the July Charter, we will move forward with state reforms,” he added.
Highlighting the activities of the current government, the chief whip said, “At just two months and 12 days old, the government has brought changes to every sector. Groundbreaking steps have been taken, including the appointment of 10,000 teachers, the Farmer Card and Family Card. Working on 133 ordinances in just five days was an impossible task, but this government has accomplished it.
Chief Whip urges journalists to safeguard democracy
The chief whip also spoke on the importance of journalists and the role they play in safeguarding and strengthening democracy, saying the media can act as “fighters” in upholding democratic values.
The chief whip said the country had spent 17 years under authoritarian rule, during which freedom of speech, parliamentary governance and the rule of law were absent, adding that the media should support the government when it works for the people, while also offering constructive criticism when needed.
Bangladesh Parliament Journalists’ Association President Harun Jamil and General Secretary Shawkat Ali Khan spoke on behalf of journalists.
Journalists covering parliamentary affairs discussed ways to improve professional facilities in the 13th Parliament, while also raising challenges and offering recommendations.
Calling upon journalists, the chief whip said, “The tree of democracy that we have planted, the responsibility of watering it to help it grow is also yours. The pens and thoughts of you 5,000 journalists can sustain a nation. Therefore, for the sake of the country and to protect democracy, I call upon everyone to remain united.”
