Who administers reform council oath yet to be decided: Salahuddin Ahmed

Salahuddin Ahmed, member of BNP's standing committee, has said that administering the oath to the newly elected members of the 13th National Parliament falls within the constitutional jurisdiction of the Chief Election Commissioner. However, he noted that who will administer the oath to members of the Constitution Reform Council has not yet been determined.

He made these remarks while speaking to journalists in front of the BNP chairperson's political office in Gulshan on Monday afternoon.

Salahuddin Ahmed said there are essentially two constitutional mandates—the national parliamentary election and the presidential election. The national parliamentary election has already been completed, and in this regard, the Election Commission is constitutionally responsible. He informed that the oath-taking for newly elected members of parliament is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, at 10 am.

He further stated that constitutionally, if the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is absent or unable to perform their duties, or if there is no representative nominated by them, the Chief Election Commissioner can administer the oath.

In response to a question regarding the oath for members of the Constitution Reform Council, he said a decision on this matter will only be possible after matters including constitutional amendments are determined. In his words, the oath matter can only be finalised after the council is incorporated into the constitution, amendments are passed, and a specific framework for administering the oath is determined.