Govt seeks 5 opposition nominees to form special body for constitutional amendment

The government has sought five names from the opposition to form a special parliamentary committee on constitutional amendment, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman told parliament today (29 April).

The minister said a list of proposed members has already been prepared, including seven from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and five from its allied parties, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolon and Bangladesh Jatiya Party.

To complete the committee’s formation, the government has requested the opposition to nominate five members.

Following the statement, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal drew the attention of Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman, noting that the committee could be formed once the names are submitted.

In response, Shafiqur Rahman said the issue had been discussed with the chief whip but differences remain.

“We have conceptual differences. We are talking about reform, while they are talking about amendment,” he said, adding that the opposition may not be able to provide names during the current session.

The law minister said the government is willing to wait for the opposition’s list and will proceed with the amendment process in line with the July Charter.