JS body leaders still expect BNP's positive response

If the BNP nominates a lawmaker for the parliamentary special committee on constitution amendment, the committee will send an invitation to that legislator to join the body's proceedings.
The legislator's name would be formally included in the committee once parliament is in session and the committee is reconstituted.
If needed, a special session of Jatiya Sangsad will be called to reconstitute the committee incorporating the opposition lawmaker's name, the chair and co-chair of the committee told The Daily Star.
A day after the formation of the special committee, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the special committee to amend the constitution would be reconstituted if BNP nominates a lawmaker for it.
Asked how BNP's lawmaker will be accommodated in the committee since the committee cannot be reconstituted when parliament is not in session, Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, chairperson of the committee, through her public relations officer, told The Daily Star that they are eagerly waiting to receive the opposition lawmaker's name.
"The special committee will invite the nominated BNP lawmaker to attend the meetings of the committee and it has the power to issue such invitations," Wares Hossain, Sajeda's public relations officer, told The Daily Star.
"In consultation with the prime minister, if necessary, a special session of the Jatiya Sangsad can also be called to reconstitute the special committee and incorporate the opposition lawmaker," said Wares Hossain quoting Sajeda.
Talking to The Daily Star, Suranjit Sengupta, co-chair of the committee, also said if the BNP nominates their representative, it would not be a problem for the opposition lawmaker to attend the committee meetings, as he or she will be able to attend them on special invitation.
Meanwhile, BNP national standing committee member Moudud Ahmed at a press conference at his Motijheel office said, "BNP will join the committee when the government dissolves the current committee and reconstitutes it with an equal number of representatives from the treasury and the opposition benches.
Eminent jurist Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday said public opinion should be taken to incorporate their wishes in the constitution and to reach a national consensus on amending the sacred document.
He was talking to journalists after attending a workshop in Chittagong.
He said formation of the committee by the government should not get so much importance or create controversy. It should not be considered one party's decision.
"I will politely appeal that as a major political party BNP should take it as a national issue and should play proper role in this regard," he said.
Moudud Ahmed said his party would undo any amendment made when it assumes power next time unless the government reconstitutes the special committee according to their demand.
The veteran jurist said that it is unacceptable to bring such crucial amendments to the constitution through a special committee which is based on the number of seats in parliament.