Parliamentary spat over constitution reform council formation

TBM Report

The National Parliament witnessed a heated debate on Sunday regarding the implementation of the “July National Charter” and the formation of the Constitution Reform Council. Opposition Leader and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, voiced grave concerns over the failure to convene the council within the stipulated timeframe. Citing a presidential order from November 2025, he argued that the session should have been called within 30 days of the election results, emphasizing that MPs now hold a dual mandate to serve both the parliament and the reform council.

In response, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed highlighted a significant constitutional vacuum, stating that the current Constitution does not recognize any “Constitution Reform Council.” He clarified that the Prime Minister cannot advise the President to summon a body that has no legal standing in the supreme law of the land. Describing the July Charter’s implementation order as an “imposed mandate,” the Minister questioned whether a fundamental constitutional shift could be legally executed through a mere executive order or ordinance.

The Minister further noted that the High Court has already issued a rule regarding the constitutionality of the referendum ordinance and the July Charter. While reaffirming the government’s respect for political consensus, he maintained that the state must function within the bounds of law, not emotion. He suggested that the issue be discussed in the Business Advisory Committee, hinting at a potential Constitution Amendment Bill during the upcoming budget session.

The Minister further noted that the High Court has already issued a rule regarding the constitutionality of the referendum ordinance and the July Charter. While reaffirming the government’s respect for political consensus, he maintained that the state must function within the bounds of law, not emotion. He suggested that the issue be discussed in the Business Advisory Committee, hinting at a potential Constitution Amendment Bill during the upcoming budget session.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed concluded the unscheduled discussion by acknowledging the gravity of the matter. He advised the Opposition Leader to submit a formal notice for a structured debate. The Speaker emphasized that such a critical legal issue requires a procedural approach rather than an on-the-spot resolution, effectively shifting the matter to the parliamentary committee for further scrutiny.