Dhaka, 01 April (H.S.):

Debate intensifies in Bangladesh over constitutional reforms, sparking a trust crisis between government and opposition. Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman accused the Law Minister of misrepresenting his statements during parliamentary discussion on the 'July National Charter Implementation Order'. He raised this in a late Tuesday briefing following debate on convening the 'Constitution Reform Council'.

According to The Daily Star, Shafiqur stated: Ruling party proposed a committee during talks. We came to resolve crisis, not create new ones. We're open to reform-linked committees positively.

Demands for Equal Representation

He conditioned support on equal bilateral representation: Proportional allocation risks positive outcomes. Shafiqur clarified flexible consideration led to Law Minister's speech wrongly claiming acceptance of constitutional amendments—We commented only on reforms, no ambiguity.

Session ended before clarification; Speaker deferred to Wednesday.

Historical Context

Shafiqur noted parliament's formation addressed unfulfilled aspirations from 1952 Language Movement, 1971 Liberation War, 1990 Mass Uprising, and 2004 revolt, making reforms essential. Six interim commissions and National Consensus Commission finalized July Charter after consultations, mandating council session within 30 working days—yet pending.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar