Referendum required for future changes to caretaker system in constitution: Ali Riaz
He has expressed hope that a consensus on the appointment of the caretaker government's chief would be reached by next week
A referendum would be required in the future if any government wants to amend the caretaker government system after it is reinstated in the constitution, National Consensus Commission Vice-Chair Professor Ali Riaz said today (15 July).
"There is no disagreement among political parties over the restoration of the caretaker government system. That is why the provision for a referendum has been proposed for any future changes to this system," he said at a press briefing after the meeting of 14th day of the second phase of reform talks with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
Professor Riaz expressed hope that a consensus on the appointment of the caretaker government's chief would be reached by next week.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He noted that discussions have already led to agreements on certain issues related to constitutional amendments.
Until the upper house is established, he said, any constitutional amendment will require a majority vote in the current parliament.
However, Professor Riaz added that amendments to certain key provisions of the constitution — including the preamble, fundamental principles of state policy, Articles 48, 56, and 142, as well as caretaker government-related Articles 58B, 58C, 58D, and 58E — would require a referendum.
Formation of upper house
Regarding the establishment of an upper house, Prof Riaz said that most political parties and alliances voiced support for a bicameral parliamentary system during the first round of discussions.
"However, no consensus has been reached on the method of forming the upper house," he noted.
"Some parties proposed a structure based on proportional representation of the total votes received, while others recommended using the proportional share of seats won in the lower house."
He said since political parties and alliances have failed to reach a consensus on this issue despite several discussions, they have entrusted the commission with making a decision on the matter.
