News Desk
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the July National Charter through constitutional mechanisms, with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stressing that the constitution remains the sole framework for fulfilling the aspirations of the people. Speaking during a rare parliamentary discussion on an adjournment motion, he underscored that no political initiative, however significant, can override constitutional provisions.
“All the foundations of our democracy—the formation of the government, parliament, and the election of representatives—have been carried out in strict accordance with the constitution,” the home minister said. “Therefore, it cannot be ignored or set aside in the name of implementing the July National Charter.”
The discussion, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, marked a significant moment in Bangladesh’s parliamentary history. The adjournment motion was first brought forward on April 1 by ruling party lawmaker Zainul Abdin Farroque, calling for a detailed parliamentary debate on the process and guidelines for implementing the charter.
During his address, Salahuddin Ahmed criticized the “July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025,” labeling it as “legislative fraud” and “colorable legislation.” He noted that while thirty-three political parties had ratified the charter, the implementation order did not incorporate all agreed provisions, creating ambiguity about its legal and political validity.
Speaking on behalf of the Leader of the House, the home minister emphasized that rewriting the constitution was unnecessary. Instead, he proposed that the people’s mandate to implement the charter could be realized through carefully designed constitutional amendments. “Amending the constitution allows us to honor the charter while maintaining legal and political stability,” he added.
Describing the July National Charter as a historic document, Salahuddin Ahmed highlighted its reflection of collective public aspirations, shaped over decades of political struggle and social movements. He proposed the formation of a special parliamentary committee with representatives from all political parties to review the charter’s provisions and recommend necessary amendments. “Such a committee ensures that implementation respects both the letter and spirit of the charter,” he said.
The discussion also revisited the contentious issue of the Fifth Amendment. The home minister questioned the opposition’s stance on this matter, noting that the amendment—introduced during the rule of former President Ziaur Rahman—was later declared void by the judiciary. He argued that revisiting such amendments requires careful legal and constitutional consideration, rather than political posturing.
Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman also addressed the house, urging all parties not to politicize the charter. He emphasized that the document provides clear guidelines for implementation and warned against enacting laws that might appear valid but exceed constitutional limits.
“The July National Charter is not merely a political document,” Minister Asaduzzaman said. “It is the outcome of long struggles, marked by repression, extrajudicial killings, and immense sacrifices. Its proper implementation must honor this history and public consensus.”
Leader of the opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman urged parliament not to adopt the adjournment motion, citing previous similar motions that had failed to produce meaningful outcomes. Several other lawmakers, including Gazi Enamul Huq, Akhter Hossen, Nazibur Rahman, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, and Andaleev Rahman, also spoke during the debate, highlighting the importance of balancing constitutional legality with political commitments.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed accepted the motion and scheduled two hours for discussion on April 5, noting its historical significance. “This is the first time in fifty-three years that an adjournment motion brought by a treasury bench member has been accepted for discussion,” he said, underlining the extraordinary nature of the parliamentary proceedings.
Earlier, on March 30, independent MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal had raised a similar motion on the same issue, which remains undecided. Later, MP Zainul Abdin Farroque submitted a fresh adjournment motion during the parliamentary session, emphasizing that the charter is the culmination of the July-August movement and years of struggle. He described the document as a roadmap for the nation’s future, reflecting political consensus and providing proposals for legal, legislative, and constitutional reforms.
Farroque stressed that regular parliamentary business should be temporarily adjourned to allow for a detailed discussion on the charter’s implementation. “This charter is not just a political agreement; it is the blueprint for Bangladesh’s future,” he said.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed accepted the motion under the parliamentary rules of procedure and allocated two hours for discussion, highlighting it as an important proposal. “I am allowing it to be discussed in accordance with parliamentary procedure,” he stated, scheduling the debate as the final item on the agenda for Sunday, April 5.
The debate reflects the government’s effort to implement the July National Charter while upholding the constitution, emphasizing the role of parliamentary consensus, legal frameworks, and historical context. Lawmakers across party lines are expected to continue discussions, with a focus on ensuring that the charter’s implementation aligns with both the letter and spirit of the nation’s highest legal document.
