BNP skips oath for Constitutional Reform Council

Although the newly elected BNP MPs of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad have taken their parliamentary oaths, the party has not taken oaths as members of the Constitutional Reform Council.

Speaking to reporters, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the party will not take the oath today. He explained that none of the party members have been elected to the council, and the council is not yet included in the Constitution.

“Once a Constitutional Reform Council is formed following a referendum and incorporated into the Constitution, provisions can be made regarding who will administer the oath to its members,” he said.

Salahuddin Ahmed added that such provisions will appear in the third schedule of the Constitution, which can only take effect after parliamentary approval. “We have adhered to the Constitution so far and will continue to do so in the future,” he said.

He also noted that the party’s decision on the matter was announced under the guidance and presence of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected MPs took place on Tuesday (February 17) at the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, with Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin administering the oath.