The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has welcomed the interim government move to bring the Awami League under trial by amending laws and banning the party's activities until trial ends.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said this while speaking at the Citizen Coalition Seminar held at the International Mother Language Institute in the city on Sunday.
Calling the ban on activities as a historic incident, the BNP senior leader congratulated those who contributed (helped the government in taking the decision)
"As a mafia political party Awami League has no recognition anywhere at home or abroad. Awami League does not accept democracy; democracy doesn't even exist in their DNA," he added.
He also urged the interim government to provide an election roadmap again quickly.
The BNP leader said that the interim government might face an embarrassing situation in the future if it does not provide an election roadmap.
Earlier, on Saturday night, the advisory council meeting decided to ban all kinds of Awami League activities until the trial of the party and leaders is ended. The government took this decision in the face of strong protests by students and the public.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul also addressed the event where he said that it would take a long time to formulate a new constitution. And, until the new constitution is formulated, the 1972 constitution can be amended as needed.
Regarding the Prime Minister's two-term proposal, he said, "This is a popular demand, my demand too. But you will have to make a convincing argument. Find out which other countries in the world have this example. Two terms are not a solution. The most important thing is to reduce the power of the Prime Minister and make a balance."
National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam commented it would be possible to establish trust and relations between the state and the people through a new constitution.
He also said, "We have to move towards fundamental reforms. Agreeing on unimportant issues without consensus on fundamental issues will not be fruitful.
The organisers presented a seven-point reform proposal oo the constitution and two outlines to meet the goal.
The programme was also attended by Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Central Executive Council Member Mohammad Selim Uddin and TIB Executive Director and ACC Reform Commission Head Iftekharuzzaman.
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