The government has once again called upon the opposition party to ensure their participation in the constitutional amendment process. Salahuddin Ahmed, chairman of the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment of the Thirteenth National Parliament and Home Minister, stated that if the opposition participates in the committee’s discussions, their proposals and opinions will also be considered in the process of amending the constitution.
He made these remarks at a press briefing following the committee’s third meeting at the National Parliament’s Media Centre on Sunday.
The meeting, chaired by Salahuddin Ahmed and held in the Cabinet Room of the Parliament Building, was attended by committee members and National Parliament Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs Zainul Abedin, State Minister for Planning Md. Jonaed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Land Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Sakila Farzana, and Md. Mahmudul Haque Rubel.
Editors of national dailies, senior journalists, and representatives from various journalist organizations also participated in the meeting. They offered opinions, proposals, and suggestions on various aspects of constitutional amendment.
Call for Opposition Participation
Salahuddin Ahmed said, ‘We have repeatedly called upon the opposition. We still call upon them—whenever they join this committee, we will welcome them. Their statements and proposals will be discussed.’
He added that if the opposition participates in the discussions, it will be possible to consider and reconcile the various issues they raise. He also stated that the government is keen to complete this important national task, such as constitutional amendment, based on consensus, avoiding division.
In response to a question about whether the opposition’s participation could be ensured, he said, ‘We cannot ensure their participation. We can repeatedly call upon them, and we hope they will participate. We want to work unitedly and discuss constitutional amendments.’
Report by December
Regarding the possible timetable for constitutional amendment, the Home Minister stated that they are making strenuous efforts to present the committee’s report to the National Parliament by December. Subsequently, the bill for constitutional amendment will be introduced through the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.
He indicated that if all goes well, the bill could be introduced in the first parliamentary session of next year. He also mentioned that the committee’s objective to conclude discussions and submit the report to Parliament by December had been set earlier.
Salahuddin Ahmed said that first, the constitutional amendment bill would be introduced in Parliament. After discussions, amendment proposals, and objections related to the bill are resolved according to parliamentary rules, the process of passing the amendment will be completed. Subsequently, in cases where constitutional provisions require a referendum for amendment, a referendum will be held before the President’s signature.
Explanation on Referendum
Regarding a constitutional referendum, he said that a general referendum and a constitutional referendum are not the same. According to the constitution, a referendum might be required to change certain specific provisions of the constitution. In this context, he referred to Article 142 of the constitution.
He stated, ‘First, the amendment will be passed in Parliament. Then, before the President’s signature, a referendum will be held for those articles where constitutional provisions require one for changes. If the people vote in favor, then the President will sign.’
He also mentioned that which articles would be amended would be determined through committee discussions and subsequent parliamentary processes.
Prioritizing the July National Charter
The committee chairman said that their work’s primary basis is the July National Charter. However, promises made to the public in the election manifesto will also be considered when formulating recommendations for constitutional amendments.
He stated, ‘The priority is the July National Charter. However, we will also incorporate those issues for which we received a mandate according to our election manifesto.’
Salahuddin Ahmed informed that promises from the election manifesto requiring constitutional amendments for implementation would also be considered. Additionally, suitable issues for inclusion in the constitution, derived from the opinions of various classes and professions and public opinion, would be reviewed. Matters that can be implemented through general legislation will be addressed through the enactment of laws.
He further stated that the issue of faith and trust in Almighty Allah in the preamble and fundamental principles of state policy of the constitution is also part of their election promises. Even if there was no unanimous decision on these matters in the discussions of the National Consensus Commission, these issues would be considered during the formulation of recommendations for constitutional amendment due to electoral commitments.
Journalists’ Opinions to be Considered
The committee chairman stated that most journalists who participated in the meeting provided opinions and proposals on various aspects of constitutional amendment. Many also indicated their intention to submit written proposals.
He added that journalists also offered opinions on issues ranging from the preamble to various articles of the constitution and the implementation of the July National Charter. After exchanging views with stakeholders from various professions, a report and booklet incorporating these opinions will be prepared. However, the special committee’s main report will remain separate.
Salahuddin Ahmed said that they are giving importance to the opinions of various parties to advance the constitutional amendment work based on consensus and will continue to invite the opposition to participate in the discussions.
