BNP proposes deputy speaker post for Jamaat: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has offered the post of Deputy Speaker to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Monday (March 2), he said a verbal proposal had been made to appoint a Deputy Speaker from the opposition bench. If Jamaat agrees, its nominee could be sworn in during the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

Regarding constitutional amendments, the minister said a Constitutional Reform Council could be formed through amendment if necessary. However, he stressed that no measure not recognised by the Constitution could be implemented.

Commenting on discussions surrounding the oath of a proposed constitutional reform body, he said there is no constitutional basis for such a council at present. “Those who have taken oath did so on their own initiative. They have the political right to express their views, but we cannot place anything unconstitutional before parliament,” he added.

On the President’s address at the inaugural session, the minister said delivering the speech is a constitutional obligation. “Anyone may express their opinion about it, but if it is stipulated in the Constitution, it will be implemented. The President will address the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad in accordance with the Constitution,” he said.