Dhaka:Lawmakers in Bangladesh may soon have more freedom to vote independently on parliamentary issues, following a proposed amendment to Article 70 of the Constitution. This amendment aims to retain restrictions only on four critical matters confidence motions, money bills, constitutional amendments, and issues related to national security or wartime.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the proposal was discussed during the eighth meeting of the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendments of the 13th National Parliament. The meeting, chaired by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, took place at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
If implemented, the amendment would enable Members of Parliament (MPs) to express their views and vote based on their judgment on topics outside these four categories. This could potentially increase their capacity for independent decision-making within the legislative process.
The meeting included participation from constitutional experts, experienced lawyers nominated by the Supreme Court Bar Association, and law professors from various universities. A total of 44 invited experts shared their written and oral opinions on constitutional reform.
Additionally, the committee deliberated on other significant issues, including the implementation of the July National Charter, the fundamental structure of the Constitution, judicial review, and judicial independence. Discussions also covered the balance of power between the President and Prime Minister, judicial appointment reforms, the establishment of a Supreme Court Secretariat, and the strengthening of statutory bodies' independence.
Further topics included the potential role of an upper house within the caretaker government system and the nomination of opposition lawmakers to chair parliamentary standing committees under Article 76. The proposed amendment to Article 70 remains under discussion, with no decision made at the recent meeting.