President of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), A.S.M. Abdur Rob, said that the National Charter must reflect the aspirations and expectations of the people. It cannot simply be a political compromise document but should be the invaluable outcome of the people’s blood, sacrifices, and struggles. Therefore, the National Charter must serve as an essential document for democratic participation, solidifying the power, dignity, and rights of the people both constitutionally and politically.
He made these remarks during the party’s Central Executive Committee meeting in Dhaka on Saturday, August 23.
Rob further emphasized that just as the Declaration of Independence in 1971 enshrined the principles of equality, human dignity, and social justice, the National Charter must reflect these ideals in the present-day context, five decades after independence. If this is not achieved, it will fail to gain the people’s acceptance.
He added that the National Charter must act as a social contract, ensuring the people’s involvement in a democratic state. A charter written without considering the people’s needs and desires will not stand the test of time.
JSD General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan also remarked that the National Charter is not merely a piece of paper but a commitment to the democratic participation of the people. He emphasized that if the people’s aspirations and participation are excluded, the charter cannot be sustainable. To ensure the country’s prosperity and stability, the power of an advanced society must be at the core of the new political arrangement.
JSD Senior Vice President Tania Rob, in her speech, underlined that any structure will not remain permanent unless it provides proper representation and active participation of the people in the power structure. She said that the aim should be to ensure the active involvement of all sections of society in policy-making, decision-making, and implementation at all levels of government.
The discussion was attended by central leaders of the party, including Advocate Chhanoar Hossain Talukdar, freedom fighter Mohammad Siraj Mia, Mohammad Touhid Hossain, Kamal Uddin Patuari, freedom fighter S.M. Anwar Hossain, Mohammad Sohrab Hossain, Advocate Mia Hossain, Amin Uddin BSC, Abdul Latif Khan, Nurul Akter, Advocate Syed Fatema Hena, Advocate Syed Belayet Hossain Belal, Matiur Rahman Moti, Lokman Hakim, Advocate Bikash Chandra Saha, Amir Uddin Master, Borhan Uddin Chowdhury Roman, Principal Harun Al Rashid Babul, Mosharaf Hossain Montu, freedom fighter Obadul Kabir Mohon, Abdullah Al Mamun, Mosharaf Hossain Montu, Azam Khan, Mahua Kudrat Khoda, Elora Khatun Soma, Biplob Azad, H.M. Jahangir, and Shahadat Hossain Khokon.