15th amendment stopped illegal grabbing of power: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the 15th amendment to the constitution has strengthened the country's democracy and empowered the people to decide who will go to power by stopping the path of unlawful capture of the state power.

"Stability has been prevailing in the country since the 15th amendment to the constitution leading to the long continued democratic process. So, nowadays no unelected person can capture state power illegally," she said.

The premier was addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected mayor and councillors of Rangpur City Corporation at her office in Dhaka.

The 15th amendment, passed by the parliament on June 30, 2011, made some significant changes to the constitution including the one that ended the illegal take-over of power.

She said the apex court had declared illegal the seizure of state power by issuing martial law after violating the country's constitution and this has ensured the voting and democratic rights of the people of the country.

"We have strengthened the country's democracy by bringing the (15th) amendment to the constitution following the declaration (the apex court verdict). This democracy is meant to reinforce the power of people and empower them to decide who will or won't go to power," said Hasina.

But, the empowerment of the people has become a matter of heart-burning for a section of so-called intellectuals as they never come to power through the people's votes, she said, adding that they have been trying to disturb the democratic process time and again.

"They, who are never to be elected by people's vote and fear to face the masses, have inner burning due to this reason," she added.

The PM administered the oath to new RCC mayor Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa, who was elected as a Jatiya Party candidate.

Besides, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam administered the councillors including those who got elected from the reserve seats.