Only elected govt can amend constitution: Rizvi

FE Team | Published: August 25, 2025 00:40:13

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called on the interim government to guarantee a free and fair election, stressing that only an elected government has the mandate to amend the constitution in the nation's interest, report agencies.
"If any amendment to the constitution is needed in the interest of the country, it should be done by an elected government," he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after distributing raincoats among rickshaw and van pullers in front of BNP's Nayapaltan central office in the capital on Sunday.
The BNP leader said the achievement made on August 5 must be maintained, noting that people had endured sixteen years of oppression under a repressive government.
He stressed the need for preventing return of fascist regime and urged all not to let petty issues create opportunities for fascism to re-emerge.
Mentioning that the nation has paid a heavy price over the past 16 years, Rizvi said, "There was no rule of law, no justice. The state machinery, including the judiciary and law enforcement, was used to serve the vendetta of Sheikh Hasina."
"A reign had been established where no one but Sheikh Hasina, her children and relatives had the right to speak. It was a rule of bloodshed and vengeance. If we don't want a repeat of that era, a minimum level of political understanding is essential," he added.
Issuing a warning, the BNP senior leader said, "If we fail to reach that understanding, fascism will return in an even more terrifying form. Sheikh Hasina once waged a violent movement to establish the caretaker government system, only to scrap it herself once in power. That's who Sheikh Hasina is, a leader with no commitment, who sees politics merely as a tool for deception and self-interest. We cannot allow that brand of politics to return."
He also emphasised that the interim government must remain neutral and live up to public expectations.
"It's not that they lack sincerity. Inflation has now come down, although prices of essentials remain high. But employment is not increasing. One after another, factories are shutting down. Without job creation, signs of famine may begin to appear. Perhaps a few advisers can afford duck meat whereever they wish, but the general people cannot. Such a situation must not be allowed to arise," he said.
Noting that about 100,000 workers have lost jobs in the garments sector, the BNP leader said, "Many mill owners are worshippers of fascism. We've long said that factories must remain open, and people must not go hungry. Politics cannot be done on the backs of starving people."
He also urged the government to act and sell these factories through auction, if necessary.
Addressing the issue of constitutional amendments, he said, "If a change is required for the July charter, then a future elected parliament will decide. One political party says a referendum must be held beforehand, why? Fundamental principles are indivisible, but even then, the constitution allows amendments. And only a parliament can do that."
If any constitutional change is required for democracy, the elected representatives will do it, he added.
BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that Bangladesh faces grave danger if illegal arms are not recovered before the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad election.
He stated that the presence of illegal arms and 'illicit money' could jeopardise the polls.
"The cronies of fascism are moving forward with illegal weapons and illicit money ahead of the election. If the interim government fails to recover the illegal arms, the next election will be disastrous. The weapons must be seized immediately," Rizvi said.
He accused associates of the 'fascist regime'of being embedded within the current administration, including the Secretariat, and warned that if given the opportunity, they could work against the interim government and democratic forces.
"Those observing politics today are all saying that these elements are lying in wait and are working to create confusion. We must remain vigilant to prevent such a situation," he said.