CPB opposes certain constitution reforms, including changes to preamble

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) said today that it is fundamentally opposed to certain constitutional reform proposals, such as removing the fundamental principles from the preamble of the Constitution and changing the name of the country.

"After going through the proposed preamble of the Constitution, it seems to us that there is an attempt to equate the Great Liberation War with the recent mass uprising. To determine the preamble of the constitution, we believe that there is a need for dialogue among political parties," said CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince.

Prince made the remark at the LD Hall in the Parliament building this afternoon while briefing reporters on their feedback submitted to the National Consensus Commission (NCC) regarding reform proposals from various reform commissions.

CPB also raised concerns about the spreadsheet provided by the commission, stating that most of the questions were unclear, incomplete, and one-sided, requiring further explanation.

Under such circumstances, CPB felt that simply marking responses without discussion would not be appropriate or effective.

"I think there should be political dialogue regarding these proposals, where both the commission and political parties can present their rationales," he said.

A CPB delegation, led by General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, submitted the party's opinion to the NCC. Assistant General Secretary Mihir Ghosh, Secretary Sajedul Haque Rubel, and Central Committee member Aslam Khan were also present.

Prince emphasised the importance of ensuring that elections are truly free, fair, and credible.

"To achieve this, urgent reforms in the electoral system are necessary before the next election," he said.

He added that efforts should be made to reach a consensus on various reform proposals through dialogue, and the gathered information and recommendations should be handed over to the elected government.

The statement added that while the party agrees with many of the proposed reforms, it has objections and disagreements on certain issues, including some fundamental ones. CPB also has alternative and new proposals.

The party expressed its willingness to present its views through direct discussions.

CPB also attached its previously submitted statements on "constitutional reform" and "electoral system reform" to the commission along with its current opinions.