Constitution cannot be amended without elected mandate: Speaker

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, has said that any change to the constitution must be carried out through proper democratic processes, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to amend it on their own.

He made the remarks while talking to journalists on Thursday during his three-day visit to Bhola, his home district.

The Speaker underlined that only elected representatives of the people hold the mandate to make constitutional amendments and shape the country’s future.

He said proposals such as the “July Charter” must also go through established constitutional procedures before being implemented.

Referring to recent developments, he noted that certain “unusual rules” introduced by the interim government have created complications, reiterating that constitutional reform cannot be achieved through unilateral initiatives.

Calling for unity, the Speaker urged all stakeholders to work together to reach a consensus on key national issues, including the July Charter, to ensure its effective execution.

He also described the country’s political landscape as complex, but expressed confidence in the patriotism of the people and emphasised the need for collective efforts to ensure stability and progress.

Earlier in the day, the Speaker was received by BNP leaders at Veduria Ferry Ghat and later given a guard of honour at the Bhola Circuit House.