Political Analyst Calls for New Constitution, Links Major Parties
Poet and political analyst Farhad Mazhar recently urged for Bangladesh’s 1972 Constitution to be fully removed. He believes a new framework is essential for building a new Bangladesh. Mr. Mazhar shared his views at a discussion in Dhaka on Sunday.
The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party hosted the discussion. The event was named “36th July’s Contribution: Debate and Review of Liabilities for Failures.” Mr. Mazhar said the 1972 Constitution acts like a colonial tool against the people’s power. He stressed that a new system would help establish true public rule.
Mr. Mazhar stated that the Awami League will remain in politics as long as Jamaat-e-Islami exists. He openly opposed doing politics under the Jamaat-e-Islami name. He also highlighted the importance of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. He said this national achievement must never be compromised.
The political analyst also criticized Article 7 of the current Constitution. He said it declares people as owners of state power. But then it places the Constitution, a legal document, above the people. This removes true public power, he added.
Mr. Mazhar claimed there was a serious problem in transferring power after the mass uprising on August 5, 2024. He said that some powerful groups prevented a strong interim government from forming. He named Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, and the BNP. He called the government formed on August 8 a “constitutional counter-revolution.”
He further criticized the media. Mr. Mazhar said journalists wrongly called the August 8 administration an ‘interim government’. He argued it was a military-backed advisory government. This government operated under the old constitution, making real changes impossible.
Mr. Mazhar praised the courage of young people during the uprising. He asked political parties, including the BNP, to protect students from police violence. He also urged Tarique Rahman not to betray the youth. Mr. Mazhar condemned acts of destruction in the name of religion.
Former interim government advisor Sharmeen S. Murshid also spoke at the event. She said the country must combine the spirit of 1971 and 2024 to move forward. She stressed that changing state corruption and bureaucracy is key for any government to succeed.
AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman chaired the meeting. Other speakers included former advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and lawyer Abu Hena Razzaqi.
