Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Monday called for the formation of a new constitution through elections to constituent assembly.
He made the statement while paying his respects at the Central Shaheed Minar to writer, researcher, and leftist intellectual Badruddin Umar.
Recalling Umar, Nahid said, “Badruddin Umar always thought about the liberation of the people of Bangladesh. He opposed the Mujib-era constitution, which he considered a permanent settlement. Since the July uprising, I too have been advocating for a fundamental overhaul of the Mujibist constitution.”
“To build a fascism-free Bangladesh, a new constitution must be drafted through People’s Parliament elections,” he added.
Law adviser Asif Nazrul said, “Badruddin Umar was an independent intellectual who supported the July uprising. His presence was greatly needed during that time. His death is an irreparable loss for the country.”
Ministry of Culture adviser Mostafa Sarwar Faruqi said, “Badruddin Umar highlighted key milestones and turning points in Bangladesh’s history without bias. He will remain a guiding light for the new generation.”
Ganasanghati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zunaid Saki said, “Badruddin Umar was a paragon of leftist politics. He was not only a teacher and intellectual but a unique star in the political sky. He dedicated his life to improving the lives of working people. His political and social vision, and his ideas on societal transformation, will guide future generations.”
Representatives of civil society who paid their final respects also recalled Umar’s lifelong contributions – from the Language Movement to fighting for farmers’ rights, opposing fascism, and nation-building. “As a patriotic elder intellectual, he will remain immortal in the pages of history,” they said.
