Mirza Abbas condemns proposals to 'discard' the constitution, highlighting the sacrifices made by martyrs in 1971

BNP Senior Leader Mirza Abbas on Sunday criticised calls to discard the constitution, emphasizing that it was drafted in 1972 at the cost of the blood of 30 lakh martyrs.  

Speaking at an event organized by the Dhaka South city unit of the BNP at a community center in the capital's Nayapaltan area, Abbas expressed disappointment with student leaders advocating for the constitution to be "buried."  

“As your seniors, we feel disheartened when leaders of the student movement make such remarks. If there are flaws in the constitution, they can be amended,” he said during an exchange with journalists.  

A member of the BNP standing committee, Abbas asserted that the constitution is not a simple document to be discarded like a rough draft. “To the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, I urge you as our children: do not misunderstand us. Statements like this sound authoritarian, reminiscent of fascist rhetoric like ‘we will bury them, kill them, cut them off,’” he added.  

Addressing the students, Abbas remarked, “The nation and politicians are watching you. We do not expect such words from you.”  

While clarifying his position, Abbas said, “I am not a supporter of the 1972 Constitution, but I acknowledge its deep connection with the Liberation War. It was formulated as an outcome of that historic struggle.”  

He called for holding accountable those who have misused the constitution, stating, “If you have a headache, cutting off your head is not the solution. Action should be taken against those who misused the constitution. We stand with you in this.”  

Highlighting the constitution's historical significance, Abbas reminded, “This document was written at the cost of the blood of 30 lakh martyrs of 1971. It pains us when you speak against it.”  

He also urged student leaders to avoid making divisive comments that could alienate people and create discord.