Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, today cautioned that a referendum cannot unilaterally enact laws or amend the constitution, asserting that the national parliament must be formed first.
Speaking at a silent march and rally titled ‘Growing Violence and Dishonour Against Women: Aware Women Society Ready for Prevention’ organized by the Women and Children Rights Forum in front of the National Museum in Shahbag, Dhaka, Salahuddin Ahmed stated, “We must remember that enacting a law cannot be done through a referendum. The constitution cannot be amended through a referendum. For this, the national parliament must first be constituted.”
The BNP leader welcomed the decision, announced yesterday by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in his address to the nation, to hold the upcoming general election and the referendum on the ‘July National Charter’ on the same day.
Salahuddin Ahmed affirmed the BNP’s commitment to fulfilling the July National Charter as signed. He added, however, that the public would scrutinize any “imposed or coercive proposals” made beyond the charter’s scope.
Parliamentary Sovereignty and Criticism of Extremist Politics
Emphasizing the party’s vigilance on the matter of parliamentary sovereignty, Salahuddin Ahmed stated, “They do not want the sovereignty of the Bangladesh National Parliament to be undermined in any way.” He warned that they would not allow any “imposed law, decree, or coercive proposal” to interfere with the parliament’s sovereignty.
The BNP leader also strongly criticized a political party, without naming it, accusing it of exploiting religion as a political tool for business. He alleged that this party is responsible for the persecution of women and seeks to confine them to the “inner quarters” so that “half the population of the country remains in darkness” and the advancement of women is halted.
Against Reducing Women’s Work Hours
Salahuddin Ahmed specifically addressed the proposal to reduce women’s working hours, noting that such a move would decrease women’s employment opportunities.
“Women will work on the basis of their competence and skills,” he commented. “Reducing work hours has an inverse relationship with employment. Therefore, employers will be reluctant to hire them if their working hours are cut, further decreasing women’s employment.”
He concluded by stating that the intent of those advocating for reduced work hours for women is malicious.
