Constitutional reform committee due by Sunday

The Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni has said a 15 to 20-member special parliamentary committee will be formed shortly to advance constitutional amendments, with progress likely visible.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after the third meeting of the parliamentary committee of the 13th Parliament, he said the panel is expected to include members from the ruling party, the Opposition, other parties and independents.

The move follows the interim government’s issuance of the “July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order”, which set out how 48 reform proposals would be executed.

A referendum was held on Feb 12, alongside parliamentary elections, to secure public consent -- resulting in a “Yes” vote.

Under the order, current MPs are also to serve as members of a constitutional reform council, whose first session should be convened within 30 calendar days of the election results.

Although preparations were made for a dual oath on Feb 17, BNP lawmakers did not take oath as council members, delaying the process.

On Sunday, Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman submitted an adjournment motion under Rule 62, prompting debate in parliament on Tuesday.

The ruling side proposed a special committee comprising all parties and independents, while the Opposition demanded equal representation.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, speaking for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, proposed the committee, backed by Law Minister Asaduzzaman.

The Opposition said it would respond positively if parity is ensured.

Moni said, “We want proportional representation from all parties, including independents.”

“We aim to form a 20, 18 or 15-member committee -- this is not fixed.”

 “Reform should reach a stage where repeated amendments are unnecessary.”

Responding to opposition reluctance, he said their absence would be “incorrect”, adding: “A handshake needs two hands… we want them in the committee.”

A parliamentary statement said the meeting also recommended:

• Installing an advanced sound system to eliminate echo within a second
• Fixing slow internet in the chamber
• Ensuring safe water supply and allocating MPs’ housing by Apr 10

Infrastructure issues have been under continuous review, with a probe into earlier sound system failures due by Apr 3.