United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday pledged to restore the Teesta River, saying his party is committed to reviving its flow and safeguarding the livelihoods of those dependent on it. “Teesta will be the economic hub of North Bengal,” he said while addressing an election rally at the Teesta Barrage helipad ground, jointly organized by the Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat district units of the party. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the river’s water would make the entire North Bengal fertile and prevent thousands of families from becoming destitute due to river erosion. “We promise to implement the Teesta plan at any cost, Inshallah,” he added. Want to see peace in hill areas, says Jamaat Ameer He emphasized that the party will prioritize national interests. “We will not hurt anyone’s interests, but we will not accept it if someone harms our interests first,” he said. Dr Shafiqur Rahman also highlighted other development priorities, including modernizing the Burimari land port, and said, “Bangladesh’s development will start from the Teesta bank. The people of this region have been deprived for ages.” He added that the party is committed to remaining with the people through good and difficult times. Referring to the upcoming election, he said, “This election is to show a red card to those who have been dishonest with the nation. Politics is not business or extortion; it is the king’s policy. On February 13th, a new sun will rise in the eastern sky of Bangladesh. We want to build a new Bangladesh with everyone.” He stressed the need for a change in power and said, “We will never leave the people of the country. We have announced that North Bengal will become the agricultural capital of the country. Employment in this region will drive national development, and crops produced here will meet domestic needs and be exported abroad, Inshallah.” Ballot seals seized in Lakshmipur, Jamaat leader, another sued Addressing women, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, “Currently, mothers and sisters are being humiliated. We will give our lives if necessary, but we will not let anyone take away their honor. We view the 90 million women of this country as our mothers, and they will be educated, empowered, and able to contribute to building the nation safely and with dignity, Inshallah.” On the referendum, he said, “Yes means freedom, and no means slavery. We all will cast 'Yes' vote  on February 12, Inshallah, and encourage others to vote.” The rally was presided over by Lalmonirhat district Jamaat Ameer Advocate Abu Taher and moderated by Nilphamari district Jamaat secretary Maulana Antazul Islam. Special guests included Jamaat central assistant secretary Maulana Abdul Halim, Rangpur-Dinajpur region assistant director Principal Maulana Momtaz Uddin, team member Abdur Rashid, Nilphamari district Jamaat Ameer Principal Maulana Abdus Sattar, and leaders of the 11-party alliance in Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat districts.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his X account was hacked four days ago to circulate false information and the perpetrator has finally been identified and arrested. “After my account was hacked, a group started launching attacks chanting ‘tai re nai re’. Shamefully, even some senior leaders endorsed it. However, our cyber team quickly identified the accused and police arrested him. Truth can never be hidden,” he said. Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing an election rally organised by the 11-party alliance at Kurigram College ground. He said Jamaat-e-Islami does not want to establish a partisan government, even though it is the ‘largest party of the current era’.  “We do not want dynastic politics or group-based rule. We do not even seek victory for Jamaat. What we want is the victory of 18 crore people.” People no longer support family-centric politics: Jamaat Ameer Referring to the movement in Rangpur region in 2024, he recalled the role of Abu Sayed, saying his bravery had ignited the July movement. “He took three bullets to his chest, not his back. That is heroism. You are truly fortunate people,” he told the gathering. Dr Shafiqur said Abrar Fahad was the first to embrace martyrdom as an uncompromising fighter against authoritarianism, followed by Abu Sayed, Sharif, Osman Hadi and others. “Nearly 1,400 people have been martyred one after another. The bodies of these 1,400 heroes are now on the shoulders of this nation. Our rivers have turned red with their blood. We will never betray these martyrs,” he said. He also pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, development work would begin from Kurigram, which he described as one of the most backward districts in the country. Among others, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Kurigram district Jamaat Ameer Azizur Rahman Swapan, candidates from the four parliamentary constituencies of Kurigram, and senior leaders of Jamaat and the 11-party alliance were present at the rally.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday vowed to recover laundered money from abroad if his party comes to power. Speaking at an election rally at Gorakhata Adarsha High School ground in Cox’s Bazar, he said that Tk 28 lakh crore had been looted from Bangladesh and smuggled abroad—an amount that, according to Bangladesh Bank, is four times the country’s annual budget. "This is the people's money. It has been stolen by thieves, robbers, and looters and sent abroad. We promise to bring it out, and deposit it in the state treasury. Then Bangladesh will develop on the basis of justice. No more injustice will be allowed," he said. Vote for Jamaat to build a Bangladesh free of corruption, drugs and extortion: Shafiqur Rahman Shafiqur Rahman said the party does not seek victory for itself alone. "We do not want the victory of Jamaat-e-Islami. I want the victory of 18 crore people. If 18 crore people win, everyone will win. If a party, family, or group wins, violence will be unleashed on the nation. We condemn that type of victory. We do not need it," he said. Regarding youth employment, he said young people do not want unemployment allowances but demand jobs. He mentioned Maheshkhali-Kutubdia as a potential site for development and suggested that, with Matarbari as the center of the deep seaport, Bangladesh could create a hub surpassing Singapore or Hong Kong. Criticising the current leadership, Shafiqur Rahman said the future of Bangladesh cannot be built by corrupt, extortionist, loan defaulter and robber leaders. The expectations of the youth cannot be fulfilled by such leadership. Bangladesh will be built by people with character, honesty, patriotism, and commitment to the people, he said. The Jamaat chief also announced that the country’s most deprived areas would be prioritised for development. Jamaat supports women leadership in politics: Shafiqur Rahman He said Moheshkhali would be developed as a smart economic zone, providing employment to young men and women regardless of religion or party affiliation, based on their qualifications and patriotism. Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nizam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Development Party, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA), National Citizen party (NCP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Amar Bangladesh Party, and Bangladesh Labour Party attended the rally.

Despite decades of pledges to ensure women’s political empowerment, the upcoming national election paints a starkly different picture, with female representation on the ballot remaining alarmingly low. The election will see participation from registered 51 political parties, yet more than 30 of them, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have failed to nominate even a single woman candidate in the 13th parliamentary election, raising fresh concerns over gender inclusion in national politics. Of the 2,568 nomination papers submitted for the election, only 109 were filed by women—just 4.24 per cent of the total, according to data reviewed by UNB. After scrutiny, the Election Commission (EC) has validated 1,842 candidates, including 1,779 men and only 63 women, meaning women make up just 3.4 percent of the final candidates. What we know about at least one of Hadi's would-be assassins Later, 417 candidates regained their candidacies after appealing to the Election Commission. January 20 was the last day for the withdrawal of candidacies. According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 1,981 candidates, including 80 women, are contesting the 13th national parliamentary election, with women making up only 4.04% of the total. Meanwhile, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) noted that women make up only 3.38% of party-affiliated candidates, while the share is 10% among independent candidates. While the world embraces music education, Bangladesh seen stepping backwards According to EC data, the upcoming election will have 12 crore 77 lacs 11 thousand 793 registered voters, including 64 crore 8 lacs 25 thousand 361 men, 62 crore 8 lacs 85 thousand 200 women, and 1,232 third-gender voters. Legal framework and previous elections Under Section 22(ka)-(gha) of the July 2025 National Consensus Ordinance, every political party was to nominate at least 5 percent women candidates in the parliamentary election, gradually increasing to 33 percent in future polls. But the ordinance has not yet been implemented, making the rule effectively non-binding. 288 BNP, 224 Jamaat candidates in Bangladesh election race Historical participation has remained low. According to Transparency International Bangladesh, women candidates accounted for 3.51 percent (55 women) in 2008, 5.55 percent (30 women) in 2014, and just 0.81 percent (73 women) in 2018. In the 12th Jatiya Sangsad, 20 women were elected, representing 6.67 percent, the highest in four consecutive parliaments. In the 9th Jatiya Sangsad, women lawmakers accounted for 3.32 percent, in the 10th Jatiya Sangsad 6.55 percent, and in the 11th Jatiya Sangsad just 3.68 percent. Party-wise breakdown Of the 51 parties contesting, only few fielded women aspirants. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had nominated women for the highest 15 constituencies but now has 10 valid women candidates following scrutiny and withdrawal, after the rejection of Fatema Khanam’s nomination (Natore-3) and non-scrutiny of three nominations of Khaleda Zia. Other women candidates nominated by political parties include: 9 from Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Marxist, 6 each from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh, 5 each from Ganasamhati Andolan and Jatiya Party, 3 each from Ganaodhikar Parishad (GOP), National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from mass uprising, nominated only three women out of its 44 candidates. Election 2026: 1967 candidates left standing after withdrawals, highest since 2008 Others including AB Party, 2 each from Gong Forum and Biplobi Workers Party, 1 each from Bangladesh Muslim League, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Basosd, Bangladesh Republican Party, National People’s Party (NPP), Aamjanatar Dal, Islami Front Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Labour Party, nominated female candidates. During scrutiny, several women aspirants lost candidacy: three from Basad, and one each from Jatiya Party, Ganasamhati Andolan, Biplabi Workers Party, AB Party, NPP, and Bangladesh Labour Party. Human trafficking, instability erode global trust in Bangladesh’s passports Among 37 independent women aspirants, only six nominations were declared valid: Sabina Yasmin (Natore-2), Dr. Tasnim Zara (Dhaka-9), Meherjan Ara Talukdar (Jamalpur-4), Akhtar Sultana (Mymensingh-6), Tahmina Zaman (Netrakona-4), and Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2). Among the parties, 276 aspirants from Jamaat-e-Islami, 268 from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, 224 from Jatiya Party, 104 from Gano Odhikar Parishad, 94 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and other smaller parties, each with fewer than 40 aspirants, also have no female candidates. Potential impact In a recent report, the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted that out of 51 political parties contesting the upcoming general election, 30 have not nominated a single woman candidate. The report highlighted that one of Bangladesh’s major parties, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has not fielded any women candidates in the constituencies where it is contesting. While Bangladesh has previously had two female prime ministers and witnessed significant participation of women in the student-led movements of 2024, HRW noted that women in the country are still largely deprived of the right to participate meaningfully in politics. Telling again, no uncertainty over election: Press Secretary Political parties must be held accountable for failing to nominate at least five percent women candidates in the upcoming national election despite pledging to do so under the July National Charter, said the Women’s Political Rights Forum (FWPR). The forum urged political parties to treat women’s nomination as a constitutional obligation rather than a token gesture and called for structural reforms to integrate women into leadership roles and ensure a gender-responsive political system. At a press conference titled “Nomination Crisis of Women Candidates: Gap between Parties’ Commitments and Implementation and the Accountability of the Election Commission” held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, forum leaders expressed concern over women’s extremely low participation. Forum leader Reetu Satter readout a written speech in the press conference where she said the women had prominent roles in the uprising of July in 2024, but women candidates were deprived of getting party nominations for Jatiya Sangsad. Forum leader Samina Yasmin said women voters constitute nearly 50 percent, or possibly more, of the electorate. “If women make up 51 percent of voters, our next critical task is to raise awareness about women’s rights, organize them, and ensure their active political participation. Is it realistic to come to power by excluding 51 percent of the population and relying on the remaining 49 percent? This is a fundamental question,” she said. Confusion clouds Shammo murder probe as key suspect remains elusive Samina said the forum is trying to work directly and indirectly with women leaders who are contesting the election and actively campaigning. “We are observing what kinds of challenges they are facing, how they are addressing them and what effective pathways could be developed to tackle these challenges in the future.” Despite widespread discussions on women’s rights, the number of female candidates in this election remains alarmingly low, forcing a serious reassessment of the situation, Samina added. Meanwhile, the Social Resistance Committee, a platform of 71 organizations working on women, human rights, and development issues, has expressed concern over the low number of women candidates in the upcoming election. In a statement, the committee said that given the prevailing misogynistic culture in society, women are hesitant to contest as independent candidates. It described this as a reflection of the patriarchal political culture and a strategy to maintain male-dominated politics. Highlighting the need for women’s visible participation in elections and politics, the Social Resistance Committee urged all political parties and the Election Commission to ensure women’s equal participation in political decision-making and governance, emphasizing that this is essential for building a democratic and equitable society.

The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, officially inaugurated his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on Thursday afternoon. The campaign kicked off with a massive public rally held at Adarsha High School in Mirpur-10, part of the Dhaka-15 (Mirpur-Kafrul) constituency. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Jamaat chief signaled the start of a nationwide movement for the party. The atmosphere in Mirpur was electric from the morning, as thousands of supporters arrived in processions, carrying the party’s election symbol, the "Scale" (Daripalla). By midday, the venue and surrounding areas were packed to capacity, decorated extensively with banners and festoons, which are now legal for a limited period. The rally was attended by several prominent leaders of Jamaat and of parties in its alliance, including Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Vice President and Spokesperson of JAGPA, Advocate Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Executive Council member and candidate for Dhaka-12. Also seen were some of the high profile Jamaat candidates from Dhaka, Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Dhaka-14), Colonel (Retd.) Abdul Baten (Dhaka-16), and Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman (Dhaka-17). The event was presided over by Abdur Rahman Musa, the seat coordinator and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat's Dhaka North City unit, while former Chhatrashibir President Zahidul Islam moderated the session. Dr. Saif Khan, son of the late Abdul Hannan Khan, delivered the opening speech. Local leaders, including Abdul Matin Khan and Anwarul Karim, also addressed the crowd, emphasizing a festive yet determined start to their electoral journey.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged all concerned to unite and work for the success of the upcoming election and the country, irrespective of victory or defeat in the election, scheduled for February 12. “We must hold a fair election under any circumstances. Please inform us of any urgent information, complaint or opinion related to the election. We will immediately bring it to the attention of the Election Commission. If the government needs to take any action, we will do so,” he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks when a four-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami met him in the evening. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman led the delegation at the meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Mia Golam Parwar and Rafiqul Islam Khan were present. Advisers Dr Wahid Uddin Mahmud, Adilur Rahman Khan and Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan attended the meeting. Chinese envoy meets Jamaat Ameer “This election and the referendum must be held successfully. No matter what anyone says, the election will be held on February 12. This will not be a random election. It is the collective responsibility of the government, the Election Commission and political parties to ensure a fair and festive electoral atmosphere. We seek the cooperation of all political parties in this regard,” the Chief Adviser said. Various election-related issues were discussed during the meeting. The Jamaat leaders said their election campaign would begin in full swing from January 22 and that the party had already started campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in the referendum. They said two campaigns would run simultaneously from that date. The Jamaat leaders also drew the Chief Adviser’s attention to several election-related concerns, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Regarding election security, Prof Yunus said polling centres would soon be brought under CCTV surveillance, with most centres to be covered. The installations are expected to be completed by late January. He said officials at sensitive centres would be equipped with body cameras, and all activities would be monitored from a central control room. The footage would be recorded to allow immediate action in case of any untoward incident.  

Supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven allied political parties have gathered at Paltan in the capital to press their previously announced five-point demand. The rally is scheduled to begin at 2 pm. The decision to hold the rally was announced on November 3 at a press conference by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque. Leaders present at the press briefing included Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Charmonai Pir), Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Prof Ashraf Ali Akon, Jamaat leaders Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Nizami Islam Party’s Mufti Harun Izhar, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalal Uddin, Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) spokesperson Rashed Pradhan. Supporters of Jamaat, allies gather at Paltan to push for 5-point demand The five-point demand focuses on the implementation of the July Charter and related electoral reforms. The five demands are issuing an order to hold a referendum before the national election over the July National Charter, introducing a proportional representation (PR) system in the upper or both houses, ensuring a level playing field for all parties during the election, ensuring visible justice for all acts of repression, killings, and corruption committed by the previous  government and banning the activities of  Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance. On November 6, Jamaat-e-Islami and seven allied parties submitted a five-point memorandum to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, seeking the implementation of the July Charter and calling for a national referendum ahead of the next general election scheduled for February. Read more: Police intercept Jamaat, Islami Andolon procession near Matsya Bhaban

Police obstructed a Jamuna-bound procession brought out by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh and seven other like-minded parties at Matsya Bhaban intersection on Thursday (6th November 2025) noon. The procession was organised to press home their several demands, including holding a national referendum in November. Later, police allowed a delegation from the rally to go to Jamuna. The delegation is supposed to submit a memorandum to Chief Adviser on the referendum and four other points.   Earlier, leaders and activists of the parities brought out a procession from the capital’s Paltan intersection to submit a memorandum to the Chief Adviser at his Jamuna residence. Jamaat now wants referendum any day before election: Azad The march, led by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, began gathering at Paltan intersection around 10:30am, with leaders and activists from different thanas and wards of Dhaka South carrying banners and festoons. Activists from other Islamic parties also joined the assembly at Paltan. Their demands are holding the referendum within this month, stopping political harassment and arrests during the interim government period, ensuring equal opportunities for all political parties in the upcoming election, and guaranteeing freedom of religion and unhindered political activities. Following the rally, the procession started towards Jamuna around 12 noon to submit the memorandum to the Chief Adviser. Read more: Jamaat not to form any election alliance: Ameer Shafiqur Meanwhile, additional police were deployed in Paltan area to avert any untoward situation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday (5th November 2025) said they would not form any alliance for the upcoming national election, as it will contest the polls independently. Shafiqur made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Wednesday morning. The party will ensure the elections are held in February 2026 with the participation of everyone. If elections are delayed, it may lead to various forms of unrest, he said. Read more: Jamaat asks EC to be ready for separate referendum, polls days Regarding the electoral alliances, he said, “We have not decided to form any alliance, and we will not form one,” he said, adding that there is no scope for the Awami League in the upcoming election. Speaking about his recent foreign visit, Rahman said he met with Bangladeshi expatriates abroad, who expressed immense warmth and love. “I am deeply moved by their affection. They have high expectations from the nation and want to contribute to its rebuilding. Yet, despite their significant contributions, we have not been able to show them proper respect,” he said. It was his first visit to Sylhet after being elected Ameer of the party for the third term. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday, in an oblique reference, accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of siding with a vested quarter trying to create political unrest and obstruct the next national election. “We are suspecting that this political party (Jamaat) is working in support of forces trying to make the political situation volatile, create instability and delay or even derail the next parliamentary election,” he said while speaking at a discussion. The BNP leader warned that if the election is delayed or foiled, fascism will rise again which will inevitably lead to the emergence of undemocratic forces. “Do we want that? Of course not,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said his party believes Jamaat is working in favour of those who want to destabilise the country and obstruct the election, as the Islamist party has taken to the streets with unjustified demands, including the introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) system in the next election. Salahuddin said even a political party that is now talking about the PR system took part in the one-sided election. “They’re now promoting the activities of the Awami League.” The National Democratic Party (NDP) arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking its 36th founding anniversary. Salahuddin reiterated BNP’s stance against the PR system, saying it would push the country into instability and political turmoil. He said if the election is held under the PR system, governments would change so often that people’s expectations would never be fulfilled, and no party would be able to carry out its political pledges. “We must not allow Bangladesh to fall into such an unstable and uncertain situation by adopting this arrangement.” The BNP leader said conflicting survey results about PR should not be used to mislead the public. “I urge those political parties who are putting their own interests above the nation’s welfare and sacrificing the interests of the country and its people for political gain to return to the right path for the sake of the people of Bangladesh and stop confusing the public,” he said. Under a PR system, the BNP leader said, independent candidates would lose their rights as they would not be able to contest elections because people would vote for parties and symbols, not individuals. “Voters would not even know who they are voting for. Do we want a system that does not protect the democratic rights of the people of Bangladesh, or one that people cannot understand? Of course not. So, no party should try to mislead the nation by talking about the PR system,” he said. Salahuddin said Article 65(2) of the Constitution clearly states that Parliament shall consist of 300 members elected in accordance with the law from single territorial constituencies by direct election. Even then, he said, Jamaat leaders are claiming that the Constitution does not specifically mention anything about the election system. Salahuddin said BNP and other democratic parties have been struggling over the past 16 years to restore and exercise the democratic rights of the people. “We are eagerly waiting to exercise those rights. We must ensure they are implemented. By exercising the right to vote, Bangladesh’s democratic journey will move forward.’ Entire world supports Bangladesh’s democratic transition: Mirza Fakhrul He also said those elected to the next parliament must remain accountable and committed to implementing the reform programmes agreed upon through the National Consensus Commission. The BNP leader warned that their party would never give in to the ill motives of any political party. Salahuddin said no one has the right to change the Constitution without following a legal and constitutional process. “If we do so, it will create a bad precedent and lead to repeated demands for such changes in the future.” “The state is not a child’s game. We cannot play with the fate of 180 million people. The country must be run in a lawful and systematic way. We can never bow to the motives of any political party. The will of the people is final — they are the true owners of this republic,” he observed. Speaking about the proposed July Charter, Salahuddin said people could express their opinion through a referendum held on the same day as the national election. “If people say yes, then the newly elected parliament will have the mandate to implement that charter.” He criticised any move to impose constitutional changes immediately through unconstitutional means, saying, “The Constitution is not something that can be changed overnight just because someone wishes to.” Recalling the history of Bangladesh’s birth, Salahuddin said that when there was no constitution and the country was forced into war, the elected representatives at the time formed the Constituent Assembly and issued the Proclamation of Independence. “They declared before the people that they had formed the Constituent Assembly and authorised the formation of the offices of President, Vice-President, and Cabinet to run the state on behalf of the people,” he said. The BNP leader said the administration governed the country and issued all laws through presidential orders as part of a legitimate process. “Later, the Constitution was framed, and elections were held under it. Since then, the constitutional process has continued properly without irregularities. So far, the Constitution has been amended 17 times, and there may be an 18th amendment in the future,” he said. Salahuddin said they have always maintained that any changes made through national consensus must follow a lawful and constitutional path. “We hope the issues on which everyone has agreed, even with some differences, can be finalised through a valid and lawful process.” He expressed hope that discussions on the proposed national charter, set for 5 October, would result in a fair, lawful, and widely accepted process of constitutional reform.