Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has asserted that the Constitution cannot be amended through an ordinance, describing the July Charter implementation ordinance as a ‘fraud on the constitution’.
Speaking as the chief guest at a reception and orientation programme for 174 newly enrolled lawyers and the newly elected committee of the Khulna District Bar Association on Friday morning, the minister emphasised the legal limits of executive orders.
“The prime minister has clearly stated that we are united in implementing the July Charter,” the law minister said. He noted, however, that the BNP has provided a ‘note of dissent’ on certain issues in the national interest, which were part of the party’s election manifesto.
“It must be remembered that the Constitution cannot be changed by ordinance,” he reiterated.
The minister further contended that the referendum ordinance, which was introduced to provide legal validity to the July Charter, is also illegal.
During the event, the law minister handed over Tk18 lakh to the president and general secretary of the bar association for the welfare of the legal community.
For their part, the lawyers of Khulna submitted several demands to the minister, including the construction of a modern building, enhancements to the welfare fund, and a thorough investigation into allegations of bribery, corruption, and the asset declarations of all sub-registrars.
The ceremony was presided over by the President of the District Bar Association Molla Mohammad Masud Rashid; and moderated by General Secretary Mashiur Rahman Nannu.
Administrator of Khulna City Corporation, Nazrul Islam Manju; Members of Parliament Amir Ejaz Khan and Jahangir Hossain Helal; Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat; and Senior District and Sessions Judge Chand Mohammad Abdul Alim Al Raji were also present at the programme, among others.
