'Govt to modernise constitution'

The government would modernise the constitution according to the High Court verdict on the Fifth Amendment of it, Awami League presidium member Obaidul Quader said yesterday.
Urging the main opposition BNP to join the parliamentary special committee to bring fundamental changes in the constitution, he said numbers do not matter, logical stand from one or two members could prove vital than all other members.
“According to the High Court verdict, there is no chance to get back to the constitution of 1972 and even full abolishment of the Fifth Amendment,” Quader said as the chief guest at a discussion meeting on “Context present politics and constitution of '72” organised by Bangabandhu Academy at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.
“The constitution will be modernised in the light of the verdict upholding the basic spirit of the Liberation War.”
Indicating to the Opposition leader Khaleda Zia, the AL leader said he could not make out why she doesn't want the fundamental spirit of the Liberation War to be revived in the constitution as upholding the spirit of Liberation War is also in their election manifesto.
Terming the constitution not a holy book, Quader said, “It can be changed according to the people's needs and the demand of the time.”
Quader said some responsible persons are making irresponsible comments which harm the party, people and the country.
AL organising secretary Ahmed Hossain and information and research secretary Afzal Hossain among others spoke at the discussion.