Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the Constitution of Bangladesh does not recognise any entity called a “Reform Council,” noting that such a body could only be established through a constitutional amendment.
Speaking to reporters before joining the adjourned sitting of the Jatiya Sangsad, the minister said the President had convened a session of parliament, not a session of any reform council.
“The honourable President has convened a session of the National Parliament, not a session of any ‘Reform Council’,” he said.
Referring to a proposal mentioned in the July National Charter, Salahuddin said that if a constitutional reform council is to be implemented under that framework, the Constitution must first be amended.
He added that the legality of the proposed council has already been challenged in court.
“The constitutional validity of the council mentioned under the July National Charter has been challenged, and the court has issued a a rule in this regard. The matter is now under judicial consideration,” he said.
The minister also said that if such a council is to be formed based on the outcome of a referendum, the Constitution would still need to be amended through proper parliamentary discussion.
“Only after the Constitution is amended and the provision incorporated can steps be taken to form the council and arrange the oath-taking, if necessary,” he added.
Responding to another question regarding the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Salahuddin said both still retain their primary membership in their respective political parties.
“They have not resigned from their parties. Therefore, Article 70 of the Constitution does not apply here,” he said, explaining that the provision becomes applicable only when a lawmaker resigns from their party.
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