The government will await the opposition party’s participation in the constitutional amendment process. However, Salahuddin Ahmed, President of the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment and Home Minister, stated that the initiative to amend the constitution to implement the July National Charter will not be halted, even if the opposition does not participate.
He made this statement during a briefing to journalists at the Parliament House Media Center, following the seventh meeting of the special committee at the National Parliament House on Tuesday (October 13).
Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the government aims to amend the constitution based on consensus among all parties, including both the ruling and opposition factions. To this end, the opposition has been repeatedly invited to participate in discussions. If they join, they will be afforded opportunities for debate and can submit written opinions. Nevertheless, the constitutional amendment process must proceed even without the opposition’s involvement.
He remarked, ‘This is the nation’s expectation; the July Charter must be implemented. This is our commitment.’ He expressed hope that even after the report on constitutional amendments is prepared and the amendment bill is presented in parliament, the opposition party will still have the opportunity to participate in debates.
During the meeting, discussions focused on methods to incorporate the provisions of the July National Charter into various sections of the constitution, the caretaker government system, the independence and jurisdiction of the judiciary, fundamental principles of state policy, and further clarifying the sovereignty of the people. Furthermore, opinions were shared on forming a bicameral parliament or an upper house, the type of representation within it, and the proportional representation method.
The Home Minister also reported that discussions included a reconsideration of the amendment provisions under Article 142 of the constitution, as well as those related to referendums. Participants exchanged views on various alternative proposals aimed at avoiding excessive rigidity or flexibility in the constitutional amendment process.
Several academics who attended the meeting provided written submissions, and others indicated they would submit their written opinions within the next two weeks. The committee will review these submissions to finalize the amendment proposals.
Salahuddin Ahmed further announced a preliminary plan for a day-long discussion on October 24 with representatives from the Supreme Court Bar Association, prominent lawyers, and constitutional experts. The process of finalizing the constitutional amendment proposals will move forward after their opinions are heard and reviewed.
He also indicated that, in addition to the matters of the July National Charter, other issues based on state necessity, electoral manifestos, and public expectations might also be included in the amendment proposals.