Home Minister urges opposition to join constitutional reform committee

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed  on Tuesday called on opposition parties to join the constitutional reform committee to implement the public verdict of the referendum.

He said, "I myself proposed the referendum to implement the July National Charter. It was done to give the charter a legal basis. We want to implement that charter verbatim. For this, constitutional amendments are necessary."

He made these remarks on Tuesday while participating in a general discussion on the "Trial of the July Mass Uprising and Genocide" during a session of the national parliament.

The session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, saw the important notice raised under Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure by Akhtar Hossain, Member of Parliament from the Rangpur-4 constituency.

Participating in the discussion on the notice, the Home Minister further said, "We are all united on the July issue. We must maintain the unbreakable unity we have built. We must institutionalize the July uprising. No one should claim credit for it. We must remain vigilant so that no particular political group can make this movement controversial."

Urging everyone to prioritize Bangladesh above all, he said, "There will be a party-level trial for the Awami League. The BNP has been vocal about this demand from the very beginning. Later, through legal amendments, a legal basis for the party trial was also created."

He informed the House that the government is continuing its efforts to bring back Sheikh Hasina under the extradition agreement. He pointed out that legal action will be taken against her in accordance with court directives. If necessary, the number of tribunals, public prosecutors, investigating officers, and logistical support will be increased to ensure swift trials.

"The government is committed to constitutional reforms to establish a democratic state system, ensure judicial independence, media freedom, and prevent fascism in the future. Five seats in the constitutional reform committee have been kept vacant for the opposition to this end," he added.

Highlighting the government's initiatives for the July fighters and families of the martyrs, the Home Minister said that one-time financial support of 30 lakh Taka has been provided to each martyr's family, 5 lakh Taka to 'A' category injured, 3 lakh Taka to 'B' category injured, and 1 lakh Taka to 'C' category injured. Monthly stipends have also been introduced for the families of martyrs and the injured. Critically injured individuals will be provided with foreign medical treatment if necessary. Steps have been taken to further expand the activities of the July Foundation. The July Memorial Museum will be inaugurated on next August 5.
Home Minister: July Declaration is the biggest achievement; Opposition Leader calls for evaluating long 17.5-year struggle

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated, "The first and biggest achievement of the July mass uprising is the July Declaration. In continuation of that declaration, the July National Charter was formulated under the initiative of the National Consensus Commission. However, during the parliamentary discussion on the mass uprising, these two major achievements were not adequately highlighted. The government is committed to implementing the pledges made in the July Declaration and the National Charter—ensuring the protection of the families of martyrs and wounded July fighters, granting constitutional recognition, and establishing a democratic state system."

Later, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, "July was the ultimate outcome of a long 17-and-a-half-year movement and struggle. Therefore, we must not only acknowledge July but also accord state recognition to all martyrs, the injured, those who suffered enforced disappearances, and all tortured individuals from that entire period."

He informed the House that he had spoken with July fighters currently undergoing treatment in a Bangkok hospital. He noted that while many were sent abroad for medical care during the previous government's tenure, many wounded individuals are still struggling to access treatment. He stressed the need for proper medical care and rehabilitation for injured and disabled July fighters, adding that even if parliamentary perks for MPs have to be reduced, they should stand by these fighters.

The Opposition Leader said, "The July Museum should be opened to the public as soon as possible. Even if some construction work remains, the museum can be operationalized. The July Foundation must be developed into an effective institution. If officials have genuinely gone unpaid for several months, the government must resolve this issue urgently."

He further added, "If the trial of the July killings is delayed, the nation will not accept it. However, we must also remain cautious that the trial is truly just and does not wrong anyone. During the long movement, many people were imprisoned and subjected to torture. The nation must also remember their sacrifices and evaluate them appropriately."

Calling for unity on border and national security issues, the Opposition Leader said the government must take a clear stance against any provocative activities at the border. Protecting the country's independence and sovereignty requires unity among the government, the opposition, and all political forces. National consensus is essential when dealing with relations with neighboring countries.

Commenting on the referendum verdict, he said it must be properly evaluated. If the reflection of the people's vote is not implemented, public trust in democratic institutions will weaken. Given the sensitive nature of the July period, he urged all political parties to act responsibly.