Dhaka – Newly elected lawmakers from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have declined to take the oath for the Constitution Reforms Council, a requirement prescribed by the interim administration, arguing that it lacks support in the existing constitutional provisions.
The development took place just before the scheduled oath-taking ceremony for the BNP’s elected MPs at the Parliament Building.
Addressing the party’s lawmakers in the oath room, party Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed announced that they would not be taking the oath for the Constitution Reform Council.
When Ahmed made the announcement, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was present alongside the winning MPs.
Holding two forms, one white for MPs elect and one blue for the constitution reforms, Ahmed explained the party’s stance. “None of us were elected as members of the Constitution Reform Council, and this has not yet been incorporated into the constitution,” he said.
“According to the verdict of the referendum, if a Constitution Reform Council is formed, it must first be included in the constitution, and provisions must be made regarding who will administer the oath to the members of the Constitution Reform Commission,” Ahmed added.
He noted that such forms would need to be included in the Third Schedule of the constitution.
“Only after those are constitutionally passed by parliament can provisions be made for the members of the Constitution Reform Council to take the oath.”
“We have adhered to the constitution so far. I hope we will continue to do so in the days ahead,” the BNP leader said.
Addressing the party members, Ahmed added, “I am conveying our party’s decision, under the instruction of the respected Chairman and in his presence.”
