Attempt to ‘Irrationally’ Replace Spirit of ’71 with ’24: CPB

Staff Reporter

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has alleged that there is an “irrational” attempt to replace the spirit of the Liberation War with the 2024 movement. The party stated it rejects proposals for rewriting the constitution—the only way forward is necessary reforms based on the 1972 constitution.

CPB leaders made these remarks during a dialogue with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday, May 13.

After the meeting, General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince told journalists they have “serious disagreements” with the commission’s thoughts on constitutional reforms.

“We got Bangladesh through the great Liberation War,” said Ruhin. “Because democracy wasn’t firmly established, the mass uprisings of ’90 and ’24 happened. But now we see presentations suggesting the spirit of ’71 is being replaced by ’24—which is unacceptable.”

He said, “The spirit of ’71 means people’s aspirations, an egalitarian society. The mass aspirations of 2024 can complement it, not replace it. Comparing them as replacements is a betrayal of history and ideology.”

The CPB clearly opposed rewriting the constitution, demanding timely reforms within the original 1972 framework.

“The 1972 constitution has some incompleteness. Those need fixing. But the four fundamental principles—nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism—must remain intact,” Ruhin said.

However, he informed they support proposals to limit the prime minister’s tenure to two terms and introduce direct elections for reserved women’s seats.

CPB President Mohammad Shah Alam said during the dialogue, “A constitution written in blood cannot be suddenly abolished. The 2024 movement had no demand for constitutional change. Now these arguments are being fabricated to create debate—which is undesirable.”

He added, “The debate being created in the name of rewriting is an obstacle to unity. We need reforms—not debate.”

The 11-member CPB delegation included Mihir Ghosh, Professor A.N. Rasheda, Kazi Sazzad Zahir Chandan, Aniruddha Das Anjan, Kazi Ruhul Amin, Ragib Ahsan Munna, Sajedul Haque Rubel, Abid Hossain, and Professor Fazlur Rahman.

National Consensus Commission Co-Chair Professor Ali Riaz spoke at the start of the dialogue. Members Badrul Alam Majumdar and Dr. Ifthekharuzzaman were also present.