Govt moves to form special committee on constitutional amendment

The ruling party has taken an initiative to form a special committee on constitutional amendment, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said.

He raised the proposal to form the special committee before the discussion on the president's speech on the 24th day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament on Wednesday, April 29.

The law minister said he and the home minister had submitted a proposal to form a parliamentary special committee in continuation of existing constitutional practices.

According to Rule 266 of Parliament, a preliminary list of 12 members has been finalised. This includes seven from BNP and five from Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganashonghati Andolan, Bangladesh Jatiya Party and independent members. As the opposition's proportion stands at approximately 26 per cent, they have been asked to submit five more names. If the opposition provides the names, a 17-member committee can be formed, and the constitutional amendment work can proceed in light of the July Charter, he expressed hope.

The speaker noted that the treasury bench's list of 12 members was nearly finalised and urged the opposition to submit five names quickly.

Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman said the chief whip had discussed the matter with him. However, he noted that there is a prior difference of opinion as his party wants 'reform' while the proposal mentions 'amendment'. He said they would convey their opinion after party discussions.

In response, the law minister said the government has no objection to the opposition's position. They are also prepared to wait until the next session if necessary.