Full Faith in Allah (SWT) to Return to Constitution

Home Minister and chairman of the special committee on constitutional reform Salahuddin Ahmed said a constitutional amendment bill may be placed before Parliament during its first session in January next year. The bill is expected to propose changes to several provisions, including the Preamble. “Full faith and trust in Almighty Allah (SWT)” will be restored to the Constitution, he said. A referendum will be constitutionally required before presidential approval of such changes.

He made the remarks while briefing journalists after the third meeting of the Constitutional Amendment Committee at the National Parliament Media Centre. The minister said editors of national newspapers, representatives of journalist forums and prominent journalists had been invited to share their views. They provided detailed opinions and proposals on issues ranging from the Preamble and various constitutional provisions to the “July National Charter”. Many participants will also submit written proposals. The recommendations and discussions will be compiled into a report and booklet.

Asked about opposition participation in the constitutional amendment process, Salahuddin Ahmed said many editors had proposed including opposition members in the committee. “We also agree with this. We have repeatedly invited them and are still inviting them. If they join the committee, we will welcome them. We do not want any division among us. We want to work on the basis of consensus.”

Regarding the referendum, he said Article 142 had been revived after the Supreme Court annulled the 15th Amendment following the student-led mass uprising on August 5. Changes may be proposed to the Preamble and Articles 8, 48, 56 and 142. “If changes are made in these areas, the people must hold a referendum before the President signs them.” The constitutional referendum will be held after the bill is passed.

On a proposal to protect the caretaker government system through a referendum, the minister said the BNP had submitted such a proposal. The proposal seeks to require a referendum for any future amendment to the relevant provisions so that a future Parliament cannot easily abolish the caretaker government system for which the party had campaigned for 17 years.

On priorities, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Our priority is the July National Charter. However, we will also incorporate the issues for which we received a mandate through the election manifesto.” He said the Constitution would restore “full faith and trust in Almighty Allah(SWT)”, which then-President Ziaur Rahman had introduced in the Preamble and Article 8 as a fundamental principle of state policy. “This is a commitment in our manifesto.”

The committee chairman said efforts were underway to submit its report to Parliament by December. Based on the report, the Law Ministry will prepare an amendment bill. The bill is expected to be placed during Parliament’s first session in January. After discussion and amendments, it will be passed and then finalised through a referendum. The home minister again formally urged opposition parties, through the media and newspaper editors, to participate in the constitutional amendment process.