United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the government will restructure the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as a people-friendly and responsible force in the future. He made the announcement while addressing a programme as the chief guest at the RAB headquarters in Uttara, marking the force’s 22nd founding anniversary. The Home Minister said the government has undertaken a series of reform initiatives aimed at transforming RAB into a professional, modern, responsible and people-oriented institution. “These initiatives include enhancing the operational capability and professional skills of RAB members, providing specialised training on the minimum use of force in line with international standards, human rights compliance, and the use of artificial intelligence in crime prevention,” he said. Salahuddin also announced that a specialised training centre for RAB will soon be established at Jungle Salimpur in Chattogram to further strengthen the force’s operational capacity. He said the government is also working to adopt time-befitting strategies to address evolving crime patterns, strengthen public engagement to restore confidence, and uphold the principles of human rights, rule of law and professional ethics to help build a safe and stable society. “To ensure transparency and accountability, the government has taken initiatives to formulate a specific and comprehensive law for RAB,” the Home Minister added. He said no institution remained unaffected during the Awami League “fascist regime” when the elite force was used for political interests, harming its image, but stressed that an entire institution should not be blamed for the unlawful activities of a few officials. “The institutions must continue their work while upholding their own reputation and dignity. There will be no political interference from the government in this regard,” he said. Salahuddin wants to demonstrate to the world that all its institutions are accountable and committed to the rule of law. He also said the government is considering changing the existing name of RAB. Replying to a question, the Home Minister said RAB is essentially a combined elite force comprising members from Bangladesh Police (44 percent), the Armed Forces Division (44 percent), as well as Ansar, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and civil staff. Responding to a question about the withdrawal of US sanctions imposed on the force, he said, “During the previous fascist regime, Sheikh Hasina used this force like a puppet to fulfil her desire to establish a one-party rule and to achieve political objectives. Due to the unlawful and misguided activities of a small number of officers, the entire institution has suffered today. However, the whole institution cannot bear responsibility for the crimes of an individual or a few specific officers.” Salahuddin added that directives have already been issued to take strict legal action against the accused officers under the legal frameworks of their own forces. He also expressed hope that once the force is reformed, reorganised, or renamed under the new law, the United States government will reconsider the sanctions issue. Explaining the rationale behind the legal reforms, the Home Minister said for the past 20 years, RAB had not operated under any specific independent law but had instead functioned on an ad hoc basis under a special provision of the Armed Police Battalion Act. “An elite force cannot continue for such a long time under an interim structure,” he said. To address this legal gap, he said, the Ministry of Home Affairs has already formed a high-level law formulation committee comprising experts, which is being directly supervised by the minister himself. He said the proposed new law will clearly define the force’s authority and responsibility while ensuring strict provisions for transparency and accountability. Responding to another question regarding investigations and trials over enforced disappearances and crimes against humanity committed during the previous government, Salahuddin said the earlier commission on enforced disappearances had no specific legal authority to take punitive measures, which created legal complications. The government is currently working to amend and strengthen the law related to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), he said, adding that once the reforms are completed, all crimes related to enforced disappearances, threats of disappearance and missing persons could be tried through a specific legal process under the special tribunal, ensuring justice directly for victims and their families.    

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the government has taken a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring welfare of the police personnel, including honorary promotions upon retirement and possible overtime allowances, as part of efforts to turn police into a modern and people-oriented force. While addressing the “Welfare Parade” organised as part of Police Week-2026 at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in the Rajarbagh Police Lines, he also said the government will fulfil all logical demands of police members in line with the country’s financial capacity. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was present as the chief guest while Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Monzur Morshed Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, among others, addressed the programme. Highlighting retirement-related benefits, Salahuddin said many police constables complete 40 years of service without receiving further promotion. PM asks police to remain neutral, turn stations into reliable support centres To address the issue, the government plans to introduce honorary promotions at retirement based on special policies and satisfactory service records, he said. Under the proposal, eligible constables may receive an honorary promotion to the rank of assistant sub-inspector (ASI), ASIs to sub-inspector (SI) and SIs to the rank of inspector upon retirement, the minister said. Besides, the government is considering introducing special overtime allowances for police personnel who work extended hours under a special policy framework, he said. The proposed benefit may apply to officers from the rank of inspector down to constable and is expected to help improve morale and service quality, Salahuddin added. Meanwhile, the government is also taking plans to modernise central and divisional police hospitals to improve physical and mental healthcare services for police members, considering their long working hours and heavy workload, he said, adding that the additional modern hospital facilities may also be constructed after necessary assessments. On accommodation and infrastructure, the minister said the government remains committed to resolving accommodation shortages and improving office facilities for different police units, adding that land acquisition and funding for such projects are among government priorities. Referring to current law and order, he said visible progress has been made over the past two months. “Special drives are underway against identified terrorists, extortionists and drug traffickers,” he said. Salahuddin also stressed the importance of advanced training for police personnel to combat evolving crimes linked to technological developments, including cybercrime, online gambling and money laundering. Meanwhile, a committee has already been formed to put forward suggestions to update laws to tackle gambling, cybercrime and financial crimes more effectively, he said. Besides, the existing laws will be amended and updated to curb mob culture, the minister said, instructing police personnel to carry out their duties in line with public expectations.  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the public mandate reflected in the referendum must be respected within the constitutional framework as the government will take the country forward following the Constitution in the days to come. “We’ve come this far by adhering to the Constitution and we will continue to follow it in the days ahead. We will move the country forward in a constitutional manner,” he told Parliament. The minister made the remarks after Opposition Leader Md Shafiqur Rahman expressed concern that the Constitution Reform Council has not yet been summoned despite provisions mentioned in the presidential order promulgated to implement the July National Charter. Salahuddin, also a member of BNP standing committee, said there is little scope to place a constitutional amendment bill in the current session as 133 ordinances, promulgated by the President during the interim government,  were placed in the House, which will have be to scrutinised and settled within 30 calendar days, not working days. If the business advisory committee decides such a bill can be placed during the upcoming budget session, he said.  “I am not denying anything. The public mandate must be respected, but it has to be done constitutionally and legally. There is no place for emotion here. A state does not run on emotion; it runs through the Constitution and laws,” he said. The BNP leader also proposed the opposition to pass a constitutional amendment bill through mutual understanding in Parliament to implement the July National Charter exactly as it was signed. “I would like to propose to the Leader of the Opposition that we can discuss in the Business Advisory Committee when we can place a bill to amend the Constitution,” he said, adding that his party remains committed to implementing the July National Charter exactly as it was signed as a political document. Salahuddin said a legal and also constitutional question has emerged here whether the Constitution can be amended by an order or invalid order imposed outside the framework of the July National Charter. He asked them to discuss this legal question in parliament and also in the Business Advisory Committee. “We can raise a bill for constitutional amendment and adopt it in this august House based on consensus. After that, the state will be run in accordance with the amended Constitution,” he said. The BNP leader said the constitution reform council could not be summoned as it has no existence in the Constitution. “According to Article 72 of the Constitution, there is no existence of constitution reform council, so the Prime Minister can’t recommend the President to do so (to summon the council). Since the President can’t summon it, he didn’t do it,” he said. ’Those who persecuted Hindus in 71 are back in elections': Salahuddin Ahmed Salahuddin further cited that Parliament may hold discussions on whether the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, issued by the President, is constitutionally valid. Referring to Article 93 of the Constitution, he said the President may promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session, but such ordinances cannot alter the Constitution. “Any change to the Constitution cannot come through an ordinance,” he said, raising questions about the legal nature of the presidential order. Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the Constitution Reform Council should have been convened within 30 calendar days of the parliamentary election results, as mentioned in the presidential order issued on November 13, 2025. “Today marks the 30th calendar day, but the council session has not been called yet,” he said, expressing concern over the delay. According to the order, he said, elected representatives of Parliament were also supposed to function as members of the Constitution Reform Council. Shafiqur Rahman said the issue deserves urgent attention to ensure that the verdict of the referendum and the commitments made in the July National Charter are properly implemented.  

The 13th National Parliament is likely to go into its maiden session on March 12 next month or one or two days earlier, said Home Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. “The first session of the National Parliament will begin on March 12 next month or one or two days earlier,” he told journalists on Saturday night. The BNP leader said the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected during the session. “During this session, the ordinances promulgated during the tenure of the interim government will be placed before Parliament, and an obituary motion will also be presented,” he added. Earlier, on February 17, the newly elected members of the 13th Parliament--from both the treasury and opposition benches--were sworn in by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. Later, the BNP Parliamentary Party (BPP) unanimously elected party Chairman Tarique Rahman as the Leader of the House. Meanwhile, Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has been chosen as the Leader of the Opposition by opposition MPs. The 13th parliamentary election was held on February 12. Out of 300 seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, results for two seats have been suspended, while polling in one seat was cancelled following the death of a candidate. Of the remaining 297 seats, BNP secured 209, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami 68, Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) six, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish two, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Gano Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Ganosamhati Andolon and Khelafat Majlish won one seat each. Independent candidates secured seven seats.  

Newly appointed Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said that the ‘mob culture’ must come to an end in the country. “The government is determined to completely eliminate ‘mob culture’ in Bangladesh. Mob culture is over. No one will be allowed to engage in mob activities in the name of realising demands,” he said. The Home Minister came up with the remarks while talking to reporters at an introductory meeting with officials on his first working day at the Secretariat on Wednesday. However, rallies and gatherings can be held and memorandums can be submitted to make legitimate claims as the democratic process will continue, he said. He also urged for maintaining transparency and accountability in the Home Ministry’s operations. “We want to build the ministry as a corruption-free institution,” he said, adding “If anyone from any force is found involved in criminal activities, immediate investigation and action will be taken.” He also urged officials to perform their duties with transparency and accountability, warning that no illegal lobbying would be tolerated. Stressing the need to restore public trust in law enforcement, the Home Minister said police must become friends of the people. The image of the police that has been damaged must be rebuilt.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the upcoming four-day tour of the northern region by party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will not violate the election code of conduct, as it is meant to pay homage to the martyrs of the July mass uprising. “Some people may be viewing this tour from different perspectives. Paying proper respect to the martyrs of the 2024 student-led mass uprising is our responsibility and a national responsibility. Our leader Tarique Rahman wanted to do this long ago, but for various reasons the visit could not take place earlier,” he said. Talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Salahuddin, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said paying tributes to the martyrs and visiting their graves is the nation’s expectation. “We uphold the spirit of the mass uprising, and we must elevate that spirit. That is why he is going. From this perspective, there is no issue of violating the election code of conduct,” he said. The BNP leader urged everyone not to question the dignity of the 2024 student uprising, but rather to further honour and glorify the sacrifice of the martyrs. Read More: Khaleda’s  janaza likely on Wednesday, burial beside Ziaur Rahman: Salahuddin As the top leader of the country’s major political party, he said if Tarique Rahman visits the graves of the uprising martyrs and offers floral tributes, it means upholding the spirit of the uprising and fulfilling the nation’s expectations. “This is the people’s expectation—the nation’s expectation—and it should be viewed from that perspective,” the BNP leader added. Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel by road from Dhaka to Bogura on January 11. During the visit, he will go to Rangpur to visit the graves of the martyrs of the 2024 student-led mass uprising, including Abu Sayed, who was killed during the July movement. Replying to a question about internal party issues, Salahuddin said BNP has already taken organisational steps against leaders who are contesting the election in violation of party decisions, while efforts are also underway to persuade them. “In a large party like ours, many candidates have expectations. Some became disappointed when they did not receive nominations. In the greater interest, for the sake of seat-sharing and to ensure multi-party representation in parliament, we had to deprive many capable candidates,” he said. As a result, the BNP leader said, there is disappointment among those who were denied nominations. “In some cases, we have taken organisational action, and in other cases, we are trying to convince and calm them down. We hope the matter will be resolved,” he said. Asked whether the killing of a Swechchhasebak Dal leader could affect the election, Salahuddin said some isolated incidents are taking place, but these will not have any impact on the election. He said all political parties are now committed to holding a proper 13th national parliamentary election. “Insha’Allah, with united efforts and the sincerity of all political parties, we will be able to cross the electoral hurdle smoothly. Although there were many demands earlier, all parties are now committed to the election,” the BNP leader said. At different times, he said, some parties raised various demands, arguments and allegations regarding the election, referendum and other issues. “I think they have finally understood (the importance of holding the election). I believe all political parties have now reached a common position and are sincere about holding a free and fair election,” he said. Salahuddin said if any party has complaints about the level playing field or other election-related issues, they should inform the Election Commission. Read More: No legal scope to defer election over Khaleda Zia’s death: Salahuddin “The Election Commission and the government will address these issues properly. I believe all political parties and the people are sincere about a fair election,” he observed.  

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will complete the formalities to become a registered voter on December 27 after returning home from London on December 25, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday (December 22, 2025). “December 25 is Thursday, December 26 is Friday, and December 27 is Saturday. During the election period, the Election Commission offices remain open. He will complete all procedures related to becoming a voter and obtaining a National Identity Card on December 27,” he said. Salahuddin Ahmed said this while talking to reporters after a meeting between a BNP delegation and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud and EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present at the meeting. Read more: Attacks on Daily Star, Prothom Alo a direct assault on democracy: Fakhrul Salahuddin said the BNP delegation recommended the Election Commission to amend or clarify certain legal provisions related to the submission of nomination papers. “We pointed out that the requirement of submitting a certified copy of bail documents along with nomination papers is not mentioned in the Representation of the People Order (RPO). We asked for clarification on this issue and suggested that candidates should not be required to submit certified copies with their nomination papers,” he said, talking about one of their recommendations. Replying to a question regarding the law and order situation, the BNP Standing Committee member said maintaining law and order is the primary responsibility of the government. “We want a fair environment for the elections. We hope that the environment for the elections will remain healthy,” he said, adding that the people also want to vote freely in a festive atmosphere. “So, we hope that the law and order situation will gradually improve,” said Salahuddin. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Zabiullah and former EC’s Acting Secretary Dr Mohammad Zakaria were  other members of the BNP delegation. Read more: Bangladesh Jatiya Dal chief Huda joins BNP Earlier on December 11, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers is December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the Chief Adviser has violated the July National Charter through his outlines on the implementation of the charter in his speech to the nation. “The Chief Adviser himself signed the July Charter. In his speech, he violated the charter by including matters beyond the signed charter and adding new elements that were not mentioned in it,” he told UNB giving his initial reaction to Prof Yunus' address to the nation. “If we analyse his speech alongside the signed charter, we will see that he has grossly breached it.” the BNP leader added. Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the national election and the referendum on the July Charter will take place on the same day. In a televised address to the nation, he said a meeting of the Council of Advisers had approved the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025. “To implement the July Charter, this order includes several important provisions. These include holding a referendum on the constitutional amendment proposals of the charter and, subsequently, the formation of a Constitution Reform Council,” he said. Later, speaking to reporters at his Gulshan residence, Salahuddin said the interim government and the July National Consensus Commission have created the current political crisis by going beyond the signed July National Charter. He said the order issued by the government to implement the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) included ‘many new and personal ideas’ that were never part of the original signed charter. “We have already made it clear through our party’s press briefing that we will not agree to any matter imposed outside the signed July National Charter, and it will not be binding on the political parties that signed it,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that several issues have been forcefully added, and political parties were being asked to say ‘yes or no’ to matters not included in the signed charter. “Many of the provisions in the order issued today (Thursday) are new and reflect their (govt’s) personal preferences.” The BNP leader warned that such steps could lead to division instead of unity. “Some may be happy with this, but are we heading towards disunity in the nation? Are we creating divisions instead of harmony? Will the Chief Adviser take responsibility for that?” He said the party would review the Chief Adviser’s address to the nation in its forum and issue a formal reaction. Responding to a question about how the July Charter was violated, Salahuddin said the document was signed in a historic event witnessed by the entire nation. “The printed copies of the signed charter are available to all. Each section contains clear notes on proposals, consent, and notes of dissent from different parties.” “This was not a conventional note of dissent. It was specifically stated that if any party mentions its differing views in its election manifesto and wins the people’s mandate, it can implement those issues accordingly. Has that principle now been abandoned? If the Chief Adviser goes beyond his own signed document, it amounts to a breach of the charter,” he clarified. Referring to the proposed ‘Constitution Reform Council’, Salahuddin said the idea was never discussed or agreed upon in the National Consensus Commission. He questioned the intention behind including such new ideas in the order without the consensus of the political parties. The BNP leader said the Election Commission, under the Constitution, is responsible for conducting parliamentary and presidential elections. “The MPs elected through that process will take oath as members of parliament — not as members of any Constitution Reform Council… Setting a timeframe, forming a council, and proposing constitutional reforms within 180 days are new ideas. Do they have the authority to do that?” Salahuddin asked. He questioned whether dictating the next parliament through such orders has any legal basis. “Is this not interference in the sovereign authority of parliament?” In Bangladesh, the BNP leader said, there is only one sovereign body — the National Parliament — as per the Constitution. “No court can interfere in discussions or proceedings inside parliament. So imposing such obligations would amount to interfering in the sovereignty of parliament.” Salahuddin also said the idea of forming a constituent assembly or a reform council was contradictory. “If there had been any national consensus to form such a council, the Constitution would first need to be amended to empower the Election Commission for that purpose. Are we back in the pre-independence situation where we need a constituent assembly again? Bangladesh already has a Constitution. These ideas are conflicting.” Replying to a question, he said both the government and the National Consensus Commission were responsible for the ongoing crisis. “They formed reform commissions first, then a National Consensus Commission. After nine months of discussions, the National Charter was prepared and signed. Why are you going beyond it now?” The BNP leader said the crisis began when the consensus commission, chaired by the Chief Adviser himself, made recommendations to the government going beyond the signed charter. “He signed it as the Chief Adviser and then made recommendations to himself.” He reiterated that BNP wants only the signed July Charter to be implemented. “The charter was prepared and signed based on consensus, including the Chief Adviser’s signature. Let’s just implement that.”

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday (8th November 2025) described Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a ‘self-declared president’ and Sheikh Hasina as a ‘fascist ruler inspired by Baksal ideology’. Speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in the city marking the November 7 ‘Revolution and Solidarity Day’, Salahuddin said the day symbolises the nation’s restoration of freedom and democracy. “After the Liberation War, November 7 was the most significant day in our national history. When all democratic avenues were blocked, the nation found a solution through bloodshed as it did during the July uprising,” he said. Defending his remark, the BNP leader said Sheikh Mujib amended the Constitution in only 13 minutes to establish one-party rule under Baksal and declared himself president without any election. “Staying in power without election is the hallmark of Awami-style democracy. From Sheikh Mujib to Sheikh Hasina that has been their way. Democracy does not exist in their blood, in their ideology, or in their DNA,” he alleged. Citing the 1983 compilation of the documents of independence by poet Hasan Hafizur Rahman, Salahuddin claimed historical records show that the declaration of independence came through Ziaur Rahman, not Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He said, “…on March 26, announced the country’s independence from Chittagong’s Sholoshahar area as the provisional chief of state.” Some political parties’ actions may endanger people’s rights, warns Tarique Referring to writings by Tajuddin Ahmad’s family members, he added, “Tajuddin went to Mujib that night with a tape recorder, but Sheikh Mujib refused to give any declaration. Yet, the April 10 proclamation states Mujib had ‘formally declared’ independence — how is that possible?” “The way Awami League manipulated the declaration issue shows that its politics is built on lies,” he said. Salahuddin, however, acknowledged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a national leader and credited his contribution during the Liberation War, saying his post-independence actions must also be part of the discussion. “The nation expected freedom, rights, and democracy from Sheikh Mujib, but he buried democracy with his own hands. Sheikh Hasina has done the same,” the BNP leader said. He said, “At least Sheikh Mujib amended the Constitution before forming Baksal, but Sheikh Hasina has imposed fascism under the guise of democracy.” Turning to Awami League’s November 13 ‘lockdown’ programme, Salahuddin said BNP will resist it, adding, “Awami League has lost its sanity. If people really supported their calls, why were they driven out of the country on August 5 last year?” He claimed the ruling party called the lockdown centering the verdict in a case involving Sheikh Hasina. “If you have courage, come back to the country and face trial in court,” Salahuddin challenged. Read more: Constitution has no referendum provision, says Amir Khosru

Offering Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus the full liberty to find a way to implement the reform recommendations related to the Constitutional amendment, BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday warned that failure to hold the next national election within the announced February timeline could pose national and regional security threats. “Please find a fully implementable process. You have already taken opinions from many experts. If you feel any of their suggestions are appropriate and decide to implement them, you are at liberty …we will have no objection,” he told the Chief Adviser. Speaking at the National Consensus Building Commission meeting at the Foreign Service Academy, in the presence of the Chief Adviser, the BNP leader also urged Prof Yunus to seek opinions from the judiciary if he thinks it necessary. “We do not think that 15 out of 19 constitutional reform proposals are legally feasible for implementation in the current context. But if you take the initiative, consult the judiciary, or decide on another course of action, and invite us to discuss it, we will always cooperate,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, however, said reforms, justice and elections should not be seen as mutually interdependent. Consensus must; polls to be a grand festival: Prof Yunus “Reform will continue as reform is a continuous process. Justice can never be bound by a time limit...no matter which government is in power, the trial will go on,” he said. The BNP leader mentioned that their party leaders and workers have been the worst victims of injustice, enforced disappearances, killings, and repression during the rule of the Awami League. “So, holding the trials is our commitment and the nation’s commitment, and this will continue. But elections cannot be made conditional on these issues,” he said. Salahuddin warned that creating uncertainty over the election in February, as per the commitment of the Chief Adviser, will only serve fascist forces. “If we take any actions that give fascist forces an opportunity or indulgence, many believe it would become a national security threat. I think it could even become a regional security threat. Two regional powers and a global power could get involved. We do not want to take Bangladesh into that situation,” he said. Reaffirming BNP’s position, Salahuddin said the election must be held on schedule in February as directed by the Chief Adviser. National charter a document of political unity: Prof Riaz “There can be no conditions attached to it. We believe that through further efforts by the National Consensus Commission, and with the Chief Adviser’s personal initiative, a solution will be achieved,” he concluded. About reaching a national consensus on many issues, he said there are still several areas that need reform, which perhaps could not be fully traced due to time constraints. “Those issues need to be traced and addressed in the days to come.” The BNP leader said they received 826 proposals for reforms and submitted their party’s written opinions after discussions in the party forum. We disagreed on only 51 proposals, and placed different views over 115 proposals. He warned against the faulty implementation process saying the reforms will not sustain if it is challenged in the court in future. “It should take a proper time to make the implementation sustainable,” Salahuddin said. Referring to dissenting notes on some issues in the National July Charter, he said the ‘notes of dissent’ were registered on some of the 19 constitutional issues and the political parties should sign the charter with notes of dissent. The party which gets the public mandate (in the election) must implement the charter except the issues with their notes of dissent. Only July Charter can ensure fair election: Jamaat Over the question of authority to implement the constitutional reform issues by any other forum other than parliament, the BNP leader said the legal advice can be taken from the Supreme Court on this. “We can go there and take assistance (from the Supreme Court). “Beyond that, if there is anything, let us know—we agree. We are ready to sign the Charter,” he said. Calling for keeping up the anti-fascist unity and transforming it into strength, Salahuddin said compromise and more negotiations are necessary to find an implementation way. “If any path is found through dialogue, we will agree.” Noting that the final version of July Charter has some clerical mistakes and slight confusion. He said, “We will correct those—it is not major.” But since it is a national, political, and historic document, it must be flawless. Issues not discussed should not be included. The less the controversy, the better,” he said. Describing the July Charter as a national and historical document of political compromise, he said it must be flawless. Salahuddin said the Charter should be kept above the Constitution and should be made immune from judicial review. “No document can exist that cannot be questioned in court. Placing the Charter above the Constitution is unacceptable. Still, there are ways to give it legitimacy—such as seeking advice from the Appellate Division whether an Extra Constitutional or Special Constitutional Order can be issued,” he said. Rizvi warns of rising ‘dangerous forces’ endangering democracy National Consensus Commission Vice Chair Prof Ali Riaz, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Jamaat leader AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad and National Citizen Party leader Akhter Hossen also spoke at the programme, conducted by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider.