Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized on Sunday that the government is committed to advancing Bangladesh by adhering strictly to the constitutional framework, highlighting the importance of respecting the public mandate reflected in the referendum.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Salahuddin addressed Parliament after Opposition Leader Md Shafiqur Rahman voiced concerns over the delay in summoning the Constitution Reform Council, which was mandated by a presidential order to implement the July National Charter. He reassured the Parliament of the government’s dedication to constitutional governance, stating, “We’ve come this far by adhering to the Constitution and we will continue to follow it in the days ahead.”
Salahuddin, who is also a member of the BNP standing committee, pointed out the challenges of placing a constitutional amendment bill in the current session due to the need to scrutinize 133 ordinances promulgated by the President during the interim government. He suggested that if the business advisory committee agrees, such a bill could be considered during the upcoming budget session.
The minister stressed the importance of respecting the public mandate constitutionally and legally, noting, “A state does not run on emotion; it runs through the Constitution and laws.” He proposed collaboration with the opposition to pass a constitutional amendment bill through mutual understanding to implement the July National Charter as signed.
Salahuddin also raised a legal question regarding whether the Constitution can be amended by an order outside the framework of the July National Charter. He urged Parliament and the Business Advisory Committee to discuss this, suggesting that a bill for constitutional amendment could be raised based on consensus.
The BNP leader clarified that the constitution reform council could not be summoned as it has no constitutional basis. He cited Article 72, noting the absence of the council in the Constitution and explaining why the President could not summon it.
Salahuddin further mentioned that Parliament might discuss the constitutional validity of the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, issued by the President. He highlighted that, per Article 93, the President can promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session, but these cannot alter the Constitution.
Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed concern over the delay, noting that the Constitution Reform Council should have been convened within 30 calendar days of the parliamentary election results, as stipulated by the presidential order. He stressed the urgency of addressing this issue to ensure the proper implementation of the referendum verdict and the July National Charter commitments.