Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 4, 2026 (BSS) - Chairman of the Parliamentary Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the constitution would be amended through consensus to meet the expectations of the people and advance the country's democratic reforms.

"The constitutional amendment will be formulated on the basis of consensus so that it reflects the aspirations of the people and contributes to strengthening democratic governance," he told journalists before the first meeting of the Parliamentary Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban here.

The home minister said the proposed amendment would incorporate the democratic reform commitments made as part of Bangladesh's new journey and the evolving process of state restructuring.

"We will prepare an acceptable amendment proposal through consultations with all political parties and other relevant stakeholders," he said.

Referring to the participation of the opposition, Salahuddin Ahmed said the names of five members nominated by the opposition for inclusion in the committee had not yet been received.

"Once they submit the names, we will include them and hold discussions with them," he said, adding that the committee would remain open to receiving opinions from all opposition parties and members, both inside and outside parliament.

He said anyone could present views by attending committee meetings or submitting written opinions, and those would be given due consideration.
Replying to a question about opposition participation, the minister said, "We will always welcome them."

Asked whether he foresaw any major challenges in amending the constitution, Salahuddin Ahmed said the committee's foremost responsibility was to fulfil the people's expectations rather than confront challenges.

He said the constitutional reform process should reflect the spirit of the July mass uprising, the sacrifices of the martyrs and the aspirations of the people to establish a stronger democratic state.

Responding to another question, the committee chairman said consultations would be held in phases with representatives from different professions, professionals and other interested stakeholders.

"The scope of consultations may be expanded if necessary, although no specific schedule has yet been finalised," he added.

On the July National Charter, the home minister said issues on which political consensus had been reached would be incorporated into the constitutional amendment proposal.

He said matters on which dissenting opinions or notes of dissent existed would also be presented appropriately.

Besides, important issues raised during political discussions and included in various political parties' election manifestos, but not reflected in the July National Charter, would also be considered through further consultations.

"Our goal is to formulate a constitutional amendment that is acceptable, sustainable and truly reflects the aspirations of the people through broad-based consultations," he said.

The committee's first meeting, chaired by Salahuddin Ahmed, was attended by Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, and committee members Zainul Abedin, Md. Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, Andaleeve Rahman, Md Nurul Haque, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Farzana Sharmin, Sakila Farzana and Md Mahmudul Haque Rubel.