Constitutional amendment bill likely in January, referendum if passed

A constitutional amendment bill is likely to be placed in Parliament's first session in January, after the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment submits its report by December, Home Minister and committee chairman Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday (27 September).

He said the bill would be prepared by the law ministry based on the committee's recommendations and, once passed by Parliament, a referendum would be held on constitutional changes that require public approval.

Salahuddin made the remarks while briefing reporters after the committee's third meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Media Centre.

Earlier in the day, the committee held a meeting with editors of national dailies and senior journalists to seek their views on proposed constitutional amendments.

He said the media representatives had provided suggestions on issues ranging from the preamble and schedules of the Constitution to the July National Charter. Several participants are expected to submit their proposals in writing, which will later be compiled into a report and booklet.

Asked about the participation of opposition parties in the amendment process, Salahuddin said several editors had suggested including opposition representatives in the committee.

"We agree with this. We have repeatedly invited them and are still inviting them. If they join the committee, we will welcome them," he said, adding that the government wanted to proceed on the basis of consensus.

Referendum for certain changes

On the referendum, Salahuddin said the cancellation of the 15th Amendment by a Supreme Court verdict had revived Article 142 of the Constitution.

He said changes could be proposed to the preamble and Articles 8, 48, 56 and 142, among others. According to him, amendments to certain provisions would require a referendum before the president gives assent.
"The bill will be passed first, and then the constitutional referendum will be held," he said.

The Constitution's Article 142 currently sets out the parliamentary procedure for constitutional amendments, including passage of an amendment bill by at least two-thirds of the total number of MPs before it can be presented to the president for assent.

'Trust and faith in Allah' to return

Asked about priorities, Salahuddin said implementation of the July National Charter was the government's main priority, while commitments made in its election manifesto would also be incorporated.

He said the phrase "Absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah" would be restored to the Constitution.

According to the minister, the phrase, which was introduced during the presidency of Ziaur Rahman in the preamble and Article 8, would be brought back as part of the government's election manifesto commitment.

FP/R