DHAKA: Awami League presidium member Obaidul Quader recalled a historical fact that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was executed by a military regime even after the former Pakistan premier had banned usurpation of power through constitutional amendment.

He said Bhutto brought the constitutional change in 1973, but, “it was an irony of fate that later another Martial Law ruler, Ziaul Haq, hanged Bhutto after illegal capture of power”.

He came up with the observation when the politicians of Bangladesh, especially ruling-party leaders, have taken a move to make constitutional provision banning extra-constitutional takeover, in the light of the recent apex-court verdicts.          

“Taking lesson from the history we should handle the issue more carefully,” said the top leader of the ruling party while speaking as chief guest at a seminar held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity conference hall on Saturday morning.

He criticized what he described as political gimmicks and adventurisms going on over the cancellation of 5th and 7th amendments to the constitution.

He accused opposition leaders of creating a stunt over the issue while the leaders who are in position with Grand Alliance government of making “adventurous” comments on this score.     

“The constitution will be updated on the basis of the Supreme Court judgment, public opinions and practical needs,” Quader told the meet.

In an oblique reference, the former top Chhatra League leader clobbered some neo-Awami Leaguers for their talks on various important national issues.   

“A new group has emerged who, wearing Mujib coat, are making comment here and there on important political issues without any depth of knowledge,” he said.

BDST: 1325 HRS, SEP 04, 2010