Constitutionally, the Constitution Reform Commission Has No Existence: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed

Home Minister and Cox’s Bazar-1 MP Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that the Constitution Reform Commission has no constitutional existence, and the President has not summoned any session of such a commission.

He made the remarks during the question-answer session on the second day of the first sitting of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) today, Sunday (15 March), while responding to a question from Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman regarding the implementation of the July Charter.

The BNP Standing Committee member said: “To implement the verdict of the public vote, constitutional amendments must come first. That will be discussed in Parliament. Once the Constitution is amended, it will be incorporated accordingly. Then, if a commission is formed, if forms are filled, oaths are taken—that comes later.”

He added: “His Excellency the President has summoned the session of the Jatiya Sangsad. He has not summoned any session of the Reform Commission.”

Salahuddin Ahmed further stated: “We are participating in the Jatiya Sangsad session constitutionally. Some people have taken oaths as members of the July National Charter (Constitution Reform Commission). Its constitutional validity has been challenged, and it appears the matter is before the judiciary. That is a judicial issue. However, constitutionally, no such commission exists before us.”

He continued: “If the verdict of the public vote is to be implemented, the Constitution must be amended first. Once we incorporate it into the Constitution, we will see. But whether we can bring a constitutional amendment bill in this session remains highly doubtful.”

The minister also said: “133 ordinances have been placed in this session. They must be disposed of within 30 working days. After the 15-day Eid break, the next session will be on the 29th. Dealing with these will consume this session. Then comes the budget session…”

Earlier, during the question-answer session, Opposition Leader and Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman attempted to raise the issue of the July uprising. He said: “This Parliament was formed in phases following the July uprising. Two votes were held on the same day—one for parliamentary election and one for a referendum.” The Speaker interrupted him, asking him to stick to starred questions and defer the matter.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman replied: “This issue needs to be raised today. Will I get time later to speak on it?” The Speaker responded: “It cannot be raised now. You will be given time after the question-answer session.”

The session resumed today after a two-day break.