Several interim govt ordinances under discussion, final decision likely on 29 Mar: Salahuddin

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (25 March) said discussions are still underway on several ordinances issued during the interim government period and a final decision may be taken at the committee’s meeting scheduled for 29 March.

He made the remarks after the second day of a special parliamentary committee meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to review 133 ordinances issued during the interim administration.

Speaking to reporters, Salahuddin said the review process is being carried out by giving priority to the Constitution and the July Charter.

He added that there is already consensus on most of the ordinances, particularly four related to ‘July protection’, which will be placed in parliament without any changes.

According to him, the 133 ordinances are being divided into three categories. Some will be placed in parliament in their current form, some will be presented with necessary amendments, and those that fail to reach consensus will lapse during the current session and may be brought back later as new bills if required.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman told reporters that the committee has reached agreement on more than 120 ordinances so far, while a few important issues, including those related to the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Human Rights Commission, still require further discussion.

He added that the committee hopes to complete the review process at the next meeting on 29 March and then submit its report.

Meanwhile, Opposition Whip and Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan alleged that although there was agreement on 115 ordinances, the government has proposed scrapping several important ones, including those related to the referendum, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the proposed police commission.

“We could not reach an agreement on the referendum issue. We also do not agree with the government’s current proposal regarding the Anti-Corruption Commission and the police commission. Around 18 to 20 issues still need further discussion,” he said.

However, rejecting the allegation, committee Chairman Zainul Abedin said the claim about scrapping the referendum ordinance was not correct.

“There has been no such discussion. We are proceeding in line with the Constitution, and only the necessary issues are being discussed,” he told reporters.

He also said that the issues on which consensus cannot be reached will be discussed directly in parliament and the final decision will be taken there. “The committee is analysing every issue in detail and further discussions will continue at the next meeting scheduled for 30 March.”