Salahuddin Ahmed, President of the Special Committee for Constitutional Amendment and Home Minister, has expressed a firm stance in favor of reinstating a neutral caretaker government system during elections. He stated that the caretaker government must be brought back, and there is no alternative. However, the process of forming the government, its powers and scope of work, and the duration for which it will serve, have not yet been finalized.
He informed journalists about these matters on Wednesday (October 28) after a meeting of the Special Committee for Constitutional Amendment in the Cabinet Room of the National Parliament.
During the meeting, discussions revolved around amending various articles of the constitution, reinstating a neutral caretaker government system during elections, and various aspects of the proposed July Charter by political parties. Committee members also heard testimonies and experiences from family members of individuals who were victims of forced disappearances.
In a press briefing held at the Parliament’s Media Center, Salahuddin Ahmed stated that they hold a firm position regarding the reinstatement of the caretaker government system. However, various proposals are being reviewed to determine the method of government formation, its powers, and scope of work.
He also mentioned that the timeframe for forming the caretaker government after the dissolution of Parliament is a subject of discussion. Furthermore, proposals such as forming a search body or establishing the government through the Election Commission are being reviewed in a manner that minimizes opportunities for future political debate.
Salahuddin Ahmed said that once all proposals and reviews are complete and the bill is presented to the National Parliament, further new suggestions and proposals may be added through parliamentary debate.
The Home Minister also stated that various articles of the political parties’ proposed July Charter are being reviewed in the context of constitutional amendments. The process of making decisions based on consensus regarding the various proposals contained within the charter is ongoing.
The meeting also discussed the proposal for a ranked-choice voting system. However, he mentioned that a “note of dissent” or differing opinion was submitted by the committee on this matter. The committee members’ view was that the final decision on such an important proposal should be made through discussion in the National Parliament.
Salahuddin Ahmed said that if any new, nationally acceptable proposal emerges through discussion and review, it would also be considered.
The Home Minister also informed that a significant number of proposals regarding constitutional amendments have been received from civil society and various professional organizations. Proposals from constitutional experts, senior lawyers, representatives of the Supreme Court Bar Association, university professors, and editors of various newspapers will be compiled and discussed sequentially in the committee’s subsequent meetings.
He added that as all proposals are still under review, it has not yet been possible to reach a final decision.
Members of Parliament Sanjida Islam, Humam Quader Chowdhury, Anisur Rahman, and Mosha. Tahsina Rushdi were present at the meeting as family members of victims of forced disappearances. They shared their experiences, complaining of past torture, lack of legal protection, and denial of justice.
They emphasized the importance of incorporating effective preventive measures and strong protections into the constitution to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Secretaries of the National Parliament Secretariat, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and senior officials from various relevant departments were present at this meeting held in the Parliament’s Cabinet Room.