A special parliamentary committee comprising 15 to 20 members is likely to be formed by next Sunday to advance the process of constitutional amendment, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni announced on Wednesday.
Speaking to journalists following the third meeting of Parliament Committee, Nurul stated that the government intends to include representatives from the treasury bench, the opposition, other political parties, and independent lawmakers in the committee.
While the government proposes representation based on a proportional basis, the opposition has called for equal representation between the two sides.
The move follows the interim government’s issuance of the “July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order,” which outlines the execution of 48 reform proposals.
A referendum held on 12 February resulted in a “Yes” vote, mandating that members of the current parliament also serve as members of the Constitutional Reform Council.
Although members from the Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) took double oaths on 17 February, BNP lawmakers declined to take the oath as members of the reform council, leading to a delay in its formation.
The proposal for a special committee was raised by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during a discussion on the July Charter, receiving support from Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman.
This followed a notice for an adjournment motion on a matter of public importance moved by Opposition Leader Md Shafiqur Rahman under Rule 62.
Responding to the opposition’s stance, the chief whip remarked that their absence would not be ideal, noting that “one hand cannot shake hands” and “hair cannot be cut with one blade of a pair of scissors.”
He expressed hope that they would join the committee, as constitutional amendment is essential for the nation’s welfare.
Beyond constitutional matters, the Parliament Committee made several recommendations regarding the infrastructure of the Sangsad Bhaban.
These include installing a sound system capable of absorbing noise in less than a second to prevent echoes, addressing slow internet speeds in the session hall, and ensuring a sufficient supply of potable water.
The committee also recommended that residential quarters for Members of Parliament be prepared and allocated by 10 April. An investigation committee, formed to look into sound system disruptions at the start of the first session, is expected to submit its report by 3 April.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam. Members in attendance included Mia Nuruddin Ahammed Apu, Mohammad Koysor Ahmed, Md Shahidul Islam, Nayab Yusuf Ahmed, SM Jahangir Hossain, Oli Ullah, Saiful Alam Milon, and Abul Hasnat.
