পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (দ্বিতীয় খণ্ড).pdf/২০১

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বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ দ্বিতীয় খণ্ড
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seems to be in the process of opening but democracy has yet to come. The constitution promulgated by Field Marshal Ayub Khan only holds out a hope but does not under it.

 The main subject that agitates public mind deeply today is again the constitution of the country. This was the main topic during the recent elections though the election was limited to a small section of the people. Practically every candidate pledged his support for getting a democratic Constitution. During the last six weeks since election the volume of opinions for a workable constitution has increased considerably.

 We will go falling in our duty if we do not express ourselves on this vital question through only means available to us: we believe, in this, we share the opinion held by most in the country.

Only evolution can ensure real progress:

 The Country can make real and abiding progress through the method of evolution by changes peacefully brought about. This can happen only where free debate and free discussion are fully assured.

 A durable and abiding constitution is the precondition for national consolidation and stability.

 We are convinced that no durable Constitution can be adopted unless it is framed by the direct representatives of the people. All authority must emanate from people.

 We say so because whatever type of constitution is drawn up. it has to be democratic both in form and spirit. In a democracy sovereignty, belongs to the people. All authority must emanate from the people. Anything to be stable and enduring must be in the first place be the expression of the will of the people. That will must be a collective will, an organized will, and such as is freely expressed without any lot or hindrance, direct or indirect.

Constitution to meet all Contingencies:

 A constitution is framed with a view that it endures the vicissitudes of time, for as long as human intelligence and foresight can sec, capable of feeling all situations, and contingencies as can be predicted. Each and every constitution must have such basic qualities as would make it permanent. Such basic laws cease to be basic if there are stresses and strains within it which in time are bound to below it to pieces.

 To have the character and quality of permanence it has to be the expression of the will and Judgment of the entire community. A set of laws possessing such character alone can evoke the emotional loyalty of this generation and generations to come. Such loyalty and emotion are its strongest buttress and its impregnable defense. A document which depends on external forces other than the will of the people will have no chance of popular support, when in Jeopardy.