Dhaka: Eight bills were passed in the Parliament Tuesday to turn the ordinances issued during Professor Muhammad Yunus led interim government into laws. There were no clause-wise amendment proposals in the bills, resulting in no discussion in the parliament. After the relevant ministers raised them, the bills were passed directly by voice vote.
According to United News of Bangladesh, out of the 133 ordinances issued during the interim government, the special committee of the Parliament recommended approval of 98 in their original form and 15 in amended form. Of the remaining 20, four bills were recommended to be repealed, while 16 were recommended to be strengthened with new bills to be brought later. The eight bills passed this morning were recommended by the special committee to be passed in their original form.
Among the bills passed, the ‘Haor and Wetland Conservation Bill’ was proposed by Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie and was passed by voice vote. Law Minister Asaduzzaman proposed the passage of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, the Civil Courts (Amendment) Bill, the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Bill, and the Registration (Amendment) Bill separately, all of which were passed by voice vote.
While proposing the passage of the bill related to the International Crimes Tribunal, the Law Minister stated that this bill includes enforced disappearance within the definition of crimes against humanity. He addressed claims that the government does not want to enact a law on enforced disappearance, emphasizing the government’s determination to prosecute such disappearances as reflected in the law.
After the passage of the bill, Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman raised a point of order, suggesting that the Law Minister’s comments were unnecessary and could be discussed at a more appropriate time. In response, the Law Minister clarified that his comments were aimed at addressing external doubts regarding the government’s commitment to prosecuting disappearances.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad responded by stating that outside opinions should not influence parliamentary discussions and assured that actions would be taken in accordance with the law. He then proceeded with the process of passing the remaining bills.
The other bills passed are related to the Ministry of Health, primarily involving amendments to laws by changing names. In the absence of the Health Minister, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed introduced three bills: the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (Amendment) Bill, the Sheikh Hasina Medical University (Amendment) Bill, and the ‘Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Medical University, Sylhet (Amendment) Bill,’ which was proposed by Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain and passed by voice vote.