Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed has declared that a constitution is never reformed but can only be repealed, suspended, or amended, proposing a special parliamentary committee comprising all parties to carry out the necessary constitutional changes.

Speaking in the national parliament on Sunday (April 5) during discussions on the July National Charter and constitutional amendment proposals, the Home Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to honoring the spirit of the July student-led mass uprising while maintaining constitutional procedures.

Salauddin Ahmed said the government wants to respect the aspirations of the July uprising and has pledged to incorporate the essence of the 2024 July National Charter and July Declaration into the constitution.

He confirmed this would be included in the Fourth Schedule but cautioned that nothing can be compared with the spirit of the 1971 liberation war.

The Home Minister strongly criticized the Fifteenth Amendment to the constitution, calling it an act of legislative fraud.

He noted that the High Court has already declared parts of it unconstitutional and said the sovereign parliament will decide on repealing or amending the remaining problematic provisions.

He specifically called for abolishing what he described as false history and a fabricated declaration of independence imposed through the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Schedules.

Addressing a historically contentious issue, Salauddin Ahmed asserted that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared independence on March 26 and announced himself as the provisional head of state from Kalurghat on March 27.

He described this as the true history that the government intends to restore in the constitution.

On the question of state principles, the Home Minister expressed the government’s determination to reinstate the clause affirming absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah, originally introduced by Ziaur Rahman and later removed by what he called the fascist government.

He acknowledged that while this provision was initially intended for inclusion in the July Charter, it was excluded due to objections from certain parties, but stressed the government remains firmly committed to restoring it.

Salauddin Ahmed reaffirmed that all state power belongs to the people and is exercised through parliament.

He said the government has received a mandate to establish a 100-member upper house where political parties would be represented proportionally.

Extending an invitation to the opposition, the Home Minister called on ruling party members, opposition lawmakers, and independent representatives to engage in discussions through the proposed special parliamentary committee.

He firmly stated that constitutional amendments will be determined within parliament and not through prescriptions imported from outside.