No constitutional existence of ‘Reform Council’ yet: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (15 March) said the Constitution of Bangladesh does not recognise anything named a 'Reform Council', noting that such a council could only be established after a constitutional amendment.

 "The honourable President has convened a session of the National Parliament, not a session of any 'Reform Council," he told reporters before joining the adjourned sitting of the Jatiya Sangsad.

Referring to the 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 also noted 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 rule in this regard. The matter is now under judicial consideration," he said.

The minister said that if such a council is to be formed based on the outcome of a referendum, the Constitution must first be amended through 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, the home minister said both still hold 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, adding that the provision becomes applicable only when a member resigns from their party.