Dhaka: BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday expressed support for the opposition’s initiative to establish a ‘shadow cabinet’, citing its presence in numerous developed democracies.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Salahuddin stated, ‘In many developed democracies, the opposition forms a shadow parliament. If they take such a step, we will welcome it,’ while addressing reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan.
Salahuddin further clarified the constitutional prerequisites concerning the oath-taking of members of the Constitutional Reform Council. He indicated that for such a council to be operational, it must be integrated into the Constitution through an amendment, complete with a specific oath format included in the Third Schedule and a designated authority to administer the oath.
Meanwhile, a press release from the Parliament Secretariat communicated that the newly elected MPs of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad are scheduled to take their oath as MPs, followed by a separate oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, set for Tuesday at 10 am in the Oath Room of the parliament complex.
However, uncertainty looms over whether the MPs from BNP will partake in the oath-taking for the Constitutional Reform Council, as the party maintains that the current Constitution lacks provisions for such a council. The Third Schedule outlines oaths for various positions, including MPs, but omits any mention of the Constitutional Reform Council.
Addressing inquiries from journalists, Salahuddin highlighted that the Election Commission’s constitutional duty is the conduct of national parliamentary and presidential elections. He noted that if the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is unavailable or has not appointed a representative, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is constitutionally empowered to administer the oath to elected MPs.
He also confirmed that the oath for the newly elected members is scheduled in Parliament at 10:00 am on Tuesday, within the constitutional purview of the CEC.
On Sunday, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shishir Monir and NCP leader Asif Mahmud announced via social media their plans to form a shadow cabinet.
Prior to Salahuddin’s remarks, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury expressed optimism that the opposition would engage democratically in Parliament for the nation’s benefit. He acknowledged that the incoming BNP government would encounter significant challenges in governance, emphasizing the need for unity to advance the country.
Khosru highlighted pressing challenges in sectors like education, healthcare, and the economy, noting the destruction of institutions and the necessity of their restoration. ‘The trust that the people have placed in us will remain at the forefront of our minds,’ he asserted.