Dhaka: Parliament today fixed March 31 to hold a discussion on the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, following an adjournment motion placed by the Opposition Leader. Opposition Leader Dr. Md Shafiqur Rahman submitted the notice under Section 62 of the Rules of Procedure, seeking to adjourn the House’s business to discuss the summoning of the Constitution Reform Council session as per the charter.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Rahman highlighted that a referendum held alongside the 13th parliamentary election on February 12 had 70 percent of voters opting for the ‘Yes’ option, mandating the implementation of the July National Charter. He emphasized the legal obligation of newly elected MPs to take oaths as members of both Parliament and the Constitution Reform Council. In response, Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman described the motion as a logical and timely proposal warranting discussion from both sides of the House.
The Deputy Speaker, Barrister Kayser Kamal, was requested by the Law Minister to allocate time for the debate, and subsequently fixed March 31 for a two-hour discussion as the last agenda of the day. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, stressing adherence to parliamentary rules, suggested forming an all-party constitutional committee to achieve consensus on the issue. He argued that the subject of constitutional reform requires legislative action and not a motion for adjournment, citing Rule 63 which restricts debate on legislative matters.
Ahmed proposed that the opposition could utilize Rule 68 for the discussion and emphasized the importance of following procedural rules. He also advocated for a “Constitutional Reform Committee” to include inputs from various stakeholders, stating that constitutional changes should be achieved through proper legislative processes rather than a simple adjournment motion. Highlighting the role of political mandates, he underscored the need for a constitutional amendment that reflects public aspirations and the spirit of the July uprising, calling for a broad national consensus.