Restore caretaker govt system
Dr Kamal urges govt
Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday demanded restoration of the caretaker government system to the constitution and dropping of some sections from the 15th amendment, which he held inconsistent with the 1972 charter.
He urged the prime minister to remove 'inept' ministers from the cabinet for their failure to carry out their duties properly.
“The 15th amendment has created a lot of complications. It should be reconsidered and the sections contradictory to the 1972 constitution should be deleted,” he observed at a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the capital's Segunbagicha.
In a written statement, the party also demanded immediate resignation of the shipping minister and trying him for his alleged involvement in a driving licence scam.
“How can a minister argue for allowing drivers to drive without proper licences?” questioned the jurist. Ministers cannot say whatever they wish to and they must be respectful to the constitution and rule of law, he insisted.
Kamal Hossain, an architect of the country's constitution, also pleaded the lawmakers to reconsider the 15th amendment. If it is not reconsidered, the issues can be referred to the court and a movement might be launched, he added.
Some important sections including sections 99 and 116 have been removed from the constitution by the latest amendment, which is contradictory to the 1972 constitution, pointed out the lawyer.
“The country is facing a crisis for the last three decades centring on holding free and fair elections. The caretaker government system could continue after resolving the issues regarding judges,” he maintained.
He noted that changing ministers is a usual practice in a parliamentary democracy, but it is not happening in Bangladesh. “I think the captain [prime minister] should take step to change his player [ministers] if anyone fails to perform.”
Party's General Secretary Subrata Chowhdury and leaders Abdur Rouf, Jaglul Haider, Julekha Haque, Mostak Ahmed, among others, were present.
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