A heated debate broke out in parliament on Sunday over the formation and convening of a Constitutional Reform Council as part of implementing the “July National Charter”, during the second working day of the first session of the 13th parliament.
Proceedings began at 11am with the question-and-answer session conducted by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
The House later took up notices on matters of urgent public importance under Rule 71, followed by a general discussion on the president’s address.
At the outset of the sitting, the opposition leader sought to raise the issue of the Constitutional Reform Council during an unscheduled discussion.
The speaker said he would be allowed to speak after the question-and-answer session.
Members from both treasury and opposition benches then raised various local and national issues concerning their constituencies, while ministers responded to questions from MPs.
The speaker later gave the floor to Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman.
He expressed concern over the failure to convene the Constitutional Reform Council within the stipulated timeframe.
“The current parliament, formed in the context of the July mass uprising, did not emerge through the normal electoral process; rather, it was constituted on president’s order issued on 13 November 2025,” he said.
“Under the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, the session of the Constitutional Reform Council was supposed to be convened within 30 days of the announcement of the election results, but that has not happened,” he added.
Shafiqur Rahman said the order also stipulates that if the “Yes” vote prevails in the referendum, a Constitutional Reform Council comprising elected representatives will be formed.
“However, that council has not yet been constituted,” he said.
He added that members of the current parliament were elected through two separate ballots.
“According to the July Charter Order, 77 opposition MPs have already taken oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council. Therefore, they want the opportunity to perform their duties simultaneously as MPs and as members of the council,” he said.
Responding to the remarks, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the constitution does not recognise the existence of such a council.
“As the constitution does not provide for such a body, the prime minister cannot advise the president on the matter, and the president cannot convene its session,” he said.
The minister also said parliamentary rules require a formal notice under the relevant provision to bring a matter of urgent public importance to the floor for discussion.
He added that the July National Charter Implementation Order is neither a law nor an ordinance.
“It stands somewhere in between,” he said.
Salahuddin said the constitution requires the president to act on the advice of the prime minister.
“But since the constitution does not mention a Constitutional Reform Council, the prime minister cannot advise the president on convening such a body,” he said.
Referring to the referendum, he said the results must be respected.
“The state is governed not by emotion but by the constitution and the law,” he said.
He added that the issue could be discussed in the Business Advisory Committee and, if necessary, a constitutional amendment bill could be considered during the budget session.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said the matter was highly important and could not be resolved immediately.
He advised the opposition leader to submit a formal notice on the issue, saying a decision would then be taken in accordance with parliamentary rules.
Members from both sides of the House also spoke on issues raised in the president’s address, including the current political situation, strengthening democratic institutions and the need for reform initiatives.
Several MPs also thanked the president for describing the previous government as fascist.
At the end of the day’s proceedings, the speaker adjourned the House.
Parliament will resume on 29 March after the Eid recess.
