Rule of law can give democracy institutional shape: Shafique

CHITTAGONG, Dec 3 (BSS): Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed today said the government has presented a new constitution to the nation by restoring its four basic principles. "We should uphold the basic principles of the constitution", the minister said while laying the foundation stone of a new building of Law Faculty building of Chittagong University at a function (CU) as the chief guest. With CU vice-chancellor (VC) Prof Mohammad Anowarul Azim Arif in the chair, the function was addressed, among others, by University Grants Commission (UGC) member Prof Dr Atful Hai Shibly, CU Pro-VC Dr Mohammad Alauddin, acting chairman of Bangladesh Law Commission Prof Dr M Shah Alam, AK Khan Foundation chairman AK Shamsuddin Khan and trustee secretary Salauddin Kashem Khan. Barrister Ahmed said, "Constitution is the supreme law of a country and we should not formulate any law which contradicts the constitution." The minister said the Supreme Court (SC) has given many historical verdicts including cancellation of the fifth and seventh amendments to the constitution. Rule of law can give democracy an institutional shape, he said. Referring to promulgation of martial law, the minister said there is no provision of such law in the constitution. Describing the importance of law in one's life, the minister said every body enjoys the rights of law in all spheres of life. AK Khan Foundation has donated Tk 170 million to construct the new building.