BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday (Aug 24) said that any changes to the constitution must be carried out by an elected government.

He said, “Recommendations will come regarding the July Charter. If laws or the constitution need to be amended, that will be done by an elected parliament. One party is demanding a referendum beforehand — why? If there are to be changes to the core principles of the constitution, it is an elected government that must make them.”

Rizvi spoke at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, where the Zia Parishad distributed raincoats to rickshaw and van drivers.

Calling for unity to safeguard the political gains since August 5, Rizvi warned against divisions over minor issues. “We must ensure that the unbearable 15 to 16 years we endured do not return. To prevent the return of Sheikh Hasina’s family rule, all parties must maintain unity,” he said.

He noted that public expectations of the interim government remain high. While acknowledging some progress, particularly in controlling commodity prices, he criticised the lack of new job opportunities. 

“Factories are shutting down day by day. Without employment, signs of famine appear. Advisers can eat duck wherever they like, but the people cannot. Politics must not be played with people’s hunger. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure employment,” Rizvi added.

He further cautioned that if the authorities fail to recover illegal weapons, the next election could be at risk.

SMS/