Member of BNP’s Standing Committee Salahuddin Ahmed said that the three issues – justice, reform, and election – are not interdependent and each will proceed at its own pace. However, he remarked that the election must not be made conditional in any way.
He stated, “Reforms will continue in their own course, justice will proceed under the continuity of whichever government comes. But the election must be held on schedule. If it is delayed, fascist forces may take advantage, which could pose a threat to national and regional security.”
He made these comments at the meeting of the National Consensus Commission held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Sunday.
The member of BNP’s Standing Committee said, “Two regional powers from the neighboring area and one global power could exploit this situation, which might push Bangladesh into an undesirable circumstance.”
Regarding discussions on the legal basis of the July Charter, he mentioned, “We have said that if there are discussions on the legal basis, we will participate. In this regard, an extra or special constitutional order is a possible path. If necessary, advice from the Appellate Division can be sought.”
However, he cautioned, “If any ordinary citizen challenges this charter in court, it should not undermine the chief adviser’s international acceptability.”
It was informed from BNP’s side that they have received 826 small and large reform proposals in the commission, of which they have disagreed with only 51 and provided opinions with dissent on 115 proposals.
“Nineteen fundamental issues of the constitution have been identified, though the actual number is higher. There is near consensus on fundamental reforms. Now it is necessary to move forward to the implementation stage,” he stated.
Salahuddin Ahmed said, “We do not want any temporary solution to face challenges in the future. Your (Dr Yunus’s) responsibility as chief Aadviser is to find an acceptable, sustainable, and legal path for its implementation. If necessary, consider alternative approaches.”
