Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Friday (July 17) warned that his party would launch a street movement if constitutional reforms based on the proposed July Charter are not implemented.
Speaking to reporters after attending a party members’ conference at the Narsingdi Shishu Academy auditorium, Porwar urged the government to convene a session of the proposed Constitution Reform Council in parliament and implement reforms in line with the outcome of a referendum linked to the July Charter.
“If the government wants to avoid political confrontation, it should convene the Constitution Reform Council session in parliament, take the oath and implement the constitutional reforms in line with the July Charter by accepting the referendum verdict,” he said.
“If that is not done, we will have no option but to take to the streets,” Porwar added.
On the possible return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he said the issue was a legal matter and the government would take the final decision. “The government has banned the activities of her party, and it will decide the matter,” he said.
Porwar alleged that the ousted Awami League government was responsible for widespread repression during the July-August movement and said those involved should face trial. He added that the political future of the Awami League should be decided by the people, not by any individual political party.
He also criticised India for providing shelter to Hasina, alleging that she was continuing political activities from New Delhi. Porwar accused India of violating international obligations by allowing her to remain there.