DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday said the constitution of Bangladesh would be amended in such a manner that there would no conduit left for extra-constitutional takeover henceforth.

She also urged all to remain alert so that none can take over power unconstitutionally in the future.

"We want change of government by ballot. Those who would get people`s mandate would form the government," Hasina said while exchanging views with leaders of Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at the Prime Minister`s Office.  

After the meeting, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad briefed journalists about the discussion, saying that Sheikh Hasina welcomed the court verdicts canceling the fifth and seventh amendments to the constitution.

”The judgments will strengthen democracy of the country,” she was quoted as saying about the annulment of the two amendments that had ratified martial law regimes in the past.

Referring to the special parliamentary committee on amendment to the constitution, the Prime Minister said the constitution will be amended so carefully that no scope will be there for usurping state power.

Describing the necessity of democracy for development of a country, she said development of a country would not be possible without democracy.

Praising the initiatives of the present government against terrorism and militancy, the NOAB leaders said they would extend all-out cooperation in this regard.

The newspaper owners and editors at the meeting raised their different problems to
the Prime Minister.

Sheikh Hasina gave them a patient hearing and assured them of talking to the authorities concerned for solving their problems.

Led by NOAB president and editor of the Independent Mahbubul Alam, the NOAB team included Anwar Hossain Manju of Daily Ittefaq, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury of Manav Zamin, AK Azad of Samakal, Altamas Kabir Mishu of Sangbad, Reazuddin Ahmed of the News Today and Taslim Uddin of Purbokon.

BDST: 2200 HRS, SEP 02, 2010