The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA) and 'Change Makers' jointly organised a discussion to mark the 36th anniversary of the Constitution of Bangladesh.

Politicians, bureaucrats, legal experts, civil society members and prominent citizens attended the discussion, according to a press release.

The participants said the Proclamation of Independence is the genesis of our Constitution and should be put immediately after the preamble as in the American Constitution.

They stressed the need to make the Constitution more available to the public. It was proposed that the Proclamation of Independence and part 2 and part 3 of the Constitution should be incorporated in the curriculum of schools, colleges and universities.

In his opening remarks, BILIA director Ambassador Wali-ur Rahman said the Constitution is the most remarkable intellectual achievement in the history of our democracy.

Awami League Presidium member Suranjit Sengupta said it is the Constitution that gives ultimate power to the people and that is why people must understand the Constitution. Former Law Minister Abdul Matin Khasru mentioned that during his tenure he took a successful large-scale initiative to print and distribute the Constitution among the citizens.

'Change Makers' president advocate Tanbir ul Islam Siddiqui, underscored the need for embracing, upholding and understanding the Constitution to move ahead in the democratic process and establishing good governance and rule of law.

The speakers also expressed their concern for the lack of awareness among the people regarding their fundamental rights that is guaranteed by the Constitution.