The NCP argues that amendments through a parliamentary committee would lead to only limited changes, while fundamental reforms in line with the referendum mandate require a Constitutional Reform Commission.
Jamaat and the 11-party alliance have been running several programs demanding implementation of the mandate of the referendum on reforms. In a recent conversation, NCP convenor Nahid Islam said that a Constitutional Reform Commission is necessary for fundamental changes in the Constitution.
The party is currently prioritizing issues such as the formation of the Upper House, appointment of a caretaker government, appointments to constitutional bodies such as the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Election Commission, as well as an independent judiciary.
Jamaat has not yet officially announced whether it will participate in the proposed constitutional amendment committee. However, an NCP policymaker and member of parliament told Prothom Alo on condition of anonymity, “We are not participating in the constitutional amendment committee.”
Local government elections, relations with Jamaat and constitutional reforms – these three issues are now the major political tests for the NCP. Through its plan to be active at the grassroots level after Eid, on the one hand, the party wants to increase public engagement, while on the other, it wants to emphasize its distinct political position even within the alliance.