‘Constitutional reform for healthy politics’

Former chief election commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda. Star file photo

To rid the current “political crisis”, a quarter of prominent citizens today stressed on the need for a constitutional amendment for “check and balance” of state organs.

The proposal was placed under a newly-formed banner "Udbhigno Nagarik Samaj" at a press conference in Dhaka’s Jatiya Press Club.

“Check and balance of power between the president and the prime minister will have to be ensureed through a constitutional amendment,” ATM Shamsul Huda convenor of the platform, said.

Huda also a former chief election commissioner said a long-term sustainable process is needed to eradicate the country’s prevailing constitutional and political standoff.

In the proposal, he also suggested that the judiciary, election commission, public service commission, civil service and mass media be formed as accountable bodies.

“Without doing so, both the political parties have been using the democracy as a slogan to increase their own powers,” Huda added.

Responding to a query, he said political parties are yet to respond to his proposal which has been given on behalf of Nagorik Samaj for holding a dialogue in the interest of the country’s peace and political stability.

About their proposal, Huda said they will organise several talks engaging people from all classes and professions to garner support in favour the proposal.

 “Later, we will finalise a report and make it public. I hope, the political parties will pay heed to make our effort a success,” he added.