14-party alliance wants 16th amendment verdict reconsidered

Ruling Awami League-led 14-party alliance today demanded reconsideration of the Supreme Court’s verdict that scrapped 16th amendment to the constitution.

“We, the 14-party alliance, demand reconsideration of the verdict. We will deal with this politically and legally,” said 14-aprty spokesperson Mohammad Nasim.

After days of criticisms on the verdict, the ruling coalition came up with its formal reaction at a press briefing this evening at the Dhanmondi political office of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.

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“We also reject the Supreme Court’s observations on the parliament, Liberation War and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” Nasim said in the press conference.

Alliance componenet Samyabadi Dal’s General Secretary Dilip Barua said the verdict demeaned the parliament. “The chief justice is paving way for conspiracy of BNP-Jamaat.”

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal’s President Hasanul Haq Inu said: “Discussions and criticisms of the apex court’s verdict cannot be wrong or tantamount to contempt of court.”

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Awami League’s Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif said: “The verdict has ripped people of their rights.” He, on behalf of his party, also rejected the verdict.

The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the 16th amendment to the constitution has been the topic of politicians since it had severely criticised the role of the incumbent government.

Ruling Awami League lawmakers are criticising the verdict and the chief justice who delivered it, whereas, opposition BNP is saying that it had exposed the misdeeds of the government.