BNP seeks referendum on two constitutional articles, including caretaker government provision

Photo: Collected

News Desk: The BNP had proposed introducing a referendum requirement for amendments to two additional articles of the Constitution, including the provision for a caretaker government system. Salahuddin Ahmed, chairman of the Special Committee on Constitutional Reforms and Home Minister, disclosed the information.

He said the proposal was made to bring the relevant articles under a referendum so that no future parliament could amend these provisions without the people's approval.

Salahuddin made the remarks while speaking to journalists after the third meeting of the Special Committee on Constitutional Reforms at the Jatiya Sangsad on Sunday (September 27).

Editors of national dailies, representatives of various journalists' forums and prominent journalists attended the meeting and shared their opinions and proposals on different aspects of constitutional reform. The committee chairman said many of the participants had expressed their intention to submit their proposals in writing.

Salahuddin said the editors of national dailies, representatives of various journalists' forums and prominent journalists participated in Sunday's discussion. They presented their opinions and proposals on different articles and schedules of the Constitution, starting from its preamble. They were also asked to submit their proposals in writing. The committee will discuss the views and incorporate the accepted proposals into its final report.

Regarding the participation of the opposition, he said, “We have repeatedly invited them and continue to invite them. Whenever they join the committee, we will welcome them.” He said their views would be discussed and proposals considered acceptable would be adopted based on consensus.

The Home Minister said, “We want differences of opinion among us, not division.” He said the July National Charter would be implemented in the same manner in which it was signed, while issues not discussed or left out would also be considered on the basis of consensus.

On the priorities of the July National Charter and the BNP's election manifesto, Salahuddin said the July National Charter was the priority. However, he added that the issues included in the BNP's election manifesto, for which it received a mandate, would also be incorporated.

Regarding the referendum, he said there is a constitutional requirement for a referendum in the case of amendments to certain specific articles of the Constitution. The BNP had proposed bringing two additional articles, including the provision for the caretaker government system, under a referendum so that any future parliament seeking to change those provisions would have to obtain public approval.

Salahuddin said, “Since we have agreed on the caretaker government system, we will incorporate it. If any future parliament wants to change it through an amendment, a referendum should be required. We have agreed to include these two provisions along with the four existing provisions. This was a proposal from the BNP.”

Salahuddin said that after a constitutional amendment bill is passed by parliament, a referendum would be held on the provisions requiring one before the bill is signed by the President.

Regarding the committee's report, he said, “We are making every effort to present our report to parliament by December.” Based on the report, a bill would subsequently be brought by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. He expressed hope that the bill would be placed in the January session, the first session of the year.