Constitutional continuity keeping door open for AL politics: Nahid Islam

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has alleged that the principle of “constitutional continuity” is being used to keep the door open for the return of Awami League politics.

“Under the name of continuity of the 1972 Constitution, a pathway is being kept open for the return of Awami League politics. Under this continuity, the ideology and political framework of the Awami League are being allowed to be re-established or repeatedly return,” he said while speaking at a national convention at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh in Dhaka today (3 May). 

Nahid, also a member of parliament, alleged that the BNP is contributing to the process, knowingly or unknowingly, and stressed the need for a constitutional reform council to ensure a sustainable political transition.

He said the country has struggled for decades to establish democracy, with repeated setbacks despite sacrifices.

“We have been fighting for a democratic Bangladesh for the last 54 years. We have repeatedly sacrificed lives, yet we continue to stumble due to various forces,” the NCP leader said.

On reform expectations, he warned that public frustration could grow if outcomes are not visible, saying those who supported reform through referendum expect tangible results.

Criticising the current parliamentary process, he said key reform discussions had been sidelined and cautioned that continued inaction could push people towards street protests.

“If this continues, the streets will become the only path for the people,” he said.

He also outlined proposals including a bicameral parliament, referendums for constitutional changes, depoliticisation of state institutions and a consensus-based caretaker government system.

On constitutional change, Nahid argued that amendments alone would not be sustainable and warned against altering fundamental principles without broad consensus.