Online Report : BNP Standing Committee member and veteran freedom fighter Hafizuddin Ahmed on Thursday asserted that Bangladesh’s 1972 Constitution is a product of Liberation War and should not be viewed as the creation of Awami League.

Speaking at a discussion at Jatiya Press Club marking the 33rd founding anniversary of Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Party, Hafizuddin said the Constitution reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people who fought for freedom, not the political agenda of any single party.

“1972 Constitution emerged from the spirit of Liberation War. Awami League’s involvement in its drafting was incidental; it was not their personal achievement,” he said.

Hafizuddin dismissed calls to discard the Constitution as “completely pointless” and warned against undermining a document forged through the sacrifices of millions.

“Those who never experienced Liberation War are now demanding that the Constitution be thrown out and July Charter be placed above it. This is baseless,” he said.

He further recalled the political situation before the war, claiming that then-leader Tajuddin Ahmed urged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to declare independence before March 25, 1971 crackdown, but Mujib had refused, expressing faith in a united Pakistan.

The BNP leader also emphasised that constitutions around the world are drafted and amended by elected representatives; a principle that must be upheld in Bangladesh.

“No unelected entity has the right to alter the Constitution,” he added.

Hafizuddin renewed his call for a free and fair national election under an interim government, stating that only a representative government has the legitimacy to decide the future of the country`s Constitution.

He expressed concern that many from younger generation fail to grasp the true meaning of the Liberation War.

“We fought in 1971 to establish democracy. Sadly, even after five decades, that goal remains unfulfilled,” he said.