Adjournment motion in Parliament: Govt for implementation of July Charter, not order

The ruling party yesterday (5 April) in Parliament said that they want the implementation of the July National Charter 2025, but the opposition wants the implementation of the referendum result.

Both the treasury bench and opposition lawmakers made their respective stances, joining a two-hour discussion on an adjournment motion over the National July Charter in the House.

Treasury bench lawmaker Zainul Abdin Farroque (Noakhali-2) placed the adjournment motion, seeking discussion on what would be the way to implement the July National Charter 2025.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who participated in the discussion on behalf of the leader of the House, asked the opposition party to join the discussion to find a way to implement the July National Charter, as the ruling party is committed to implement 100% of the charter, which was signed by the political parties.

"Let's discuss how we can implement the July National Charter, which was signed historically and determine the implementation way. I had placed a proposal to form a special parliamentary committee for constitutional amendment, with MPs from all parliamentary parties and independent lawmakers," he said.

The home minister said he thought after his 30 March speech in Parliament that no question would never emerge about this legislative fraud or colourable order – The July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, which was promulgated by the president.  

He reiterated that the government is committed to implementing "100%" of the charter and stressed the need for constitutional amendments to incorporate its provisions, including restoring "trust and belief in Allah" as a fundamental principle.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said the charter itself outlines its implementation mechanism, arguing that no separate process is required.

"All political parties agreed to the charter and the framework of constitutional amendments it contains. Every amendment is a reform, though not every reform is necessarily an amendment," he said, adding that the government aims to incorporate the charter's provisions through constitutional changes.

Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman said his party supports reforms but insists they must reflect the people's mandate expressed through a referendum.

"We are not against the Constitution. We want reforms in those areas that have enabled fascism over the past decades," he said, calling for the formation of a constitution reform council in line with the referendum.

He added that the opposition seeks a "new Bangladesh" free from authoritarianism, but clarified that it does not mean changing the country's geographical or national identity.

Besides, opposition bench lawmakers Muhammad Nazibur Rahman (Pabna-1), Gazi Enamul Haque (Jashore-5), Bangladesh National Party-BJP lawmaker Andaleeve Rahman (Bhola-1) and NCP lawmaker Akhtar Hossen (Rangpur-4).

In his motion, BNP lawmaker Zainul Abdin Farroque said the July National Charter 2025 (Roadmap for Future) – a document of political agreement which related to the proposals over enactment, amendment, addition and modification of different laws and rules, including the Constitution.

Farroque raised the notice of adjournment motion in line with section 62 of the rules of procedure.

Following the discussion, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the motion was talked out as like the previous adjournment motion placed by the opposition on the same issue a few days ago.