Wait till SC verdict: Suranjit Let politicians decide: SQ Chy
Awami League leader Suranjit Sengupta yesterday said there is no alternative but to restore the 1972 constitution to unite the nation, but it would be wise to wait for the Supreme Court verdict in this regard.
On the other hand, BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury said the politicians, not judges, would have to take the decision on the issue, as people did not vote the lawmakers to implement the verdicts given by judges.
Both the parliamentarians, however, agreed that discussions should be held on some important issues concerning the constitution such as Article 70, which do not allow lawmakers to vote against their party in parliament.
"There are a lot of scopes to update the constitution. I am a parliament member but cannot vote according to my own judgment," said Salauddin.
Suranjit echoed his views, saying that such issues should be discussed.
The two lawmakers said this at the 'Meet the reporters' programme organised by Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) at its auditorium.
Suranjit, one of the members of the constituent assembly that prepared the constitution in 1972 but did not sign it over some difference of opinion, said that he would sign the constitution this time after restoration of the 1972 constitution with necessary changes.
Suranjit, also chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on law ministry, said independence is incomplete without the '72 constitution while Salauddin, a member of the same committee, said those who framed the constitution were not elected in independent Bangladesh.
Suranjit said people voted to return to the '72 constitution, as it was his party's election pledge and that the court also declared illegal the fifth amendment to the constitution as well as the martial law.
Salauddin said the government should restore the constitution with the first four amendments, as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman himself brought those amendments.
But Suranjit said it is the Awami League and the grand alliance government who will decide on the issue.
Salauddin said the four pillars of the constitution were not in the 1970 election manifesto of the Awami League.
Asked about the provision of caretaker government system, Suranjit said the Election Commission has become independent and stronger and it can be strengthened further before scrapping the provision.
Salauddin said all the parties first have to be respectful to each other.
DRU president Shamim Ahmed presided over the programme while its general secretary Pathik Saha gave a welcome address.
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