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Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated in the National Parliament that the BNP ‘compromised’ on the July National Charter to prevent the election from being delayed. However, he also made it clear that they would not accept anything outside the charter.
He made these remarks on Thursday (April 30) while participating in the discussion on the thanks motion regarding the President’s address in the Bangladesh National Parliament.
The Home Minister said that the BNP took that stance due to fears of the election being stalled in the name of reform. He claimed, “For the sake of the election, we did not say many things. But we are not prepared to accept anything beyond the July National Charter.”
He informed that out of 30 parties, 26 parties signed the July National Charter, and some parties submitted ‘notes of dissent.’ In his opinion, even those who submitted notes of dissent have acknowledged the legitimacy of this process.
Regarding the referendum, he stated that a proposal for a referendum was made to give legal basis to the July National Charter. However, the BNP believes that the document later issued as the ‘July Implementation Order’ is not entirely consistent with the charter.
Regarding the constitution, Salahuddin Ahmed said that while the President can issue ordinances, they cannot amend constitutional articles or schedules. In his view, the ‘July Charter Implementation Order’ is not constitutionally sustainable.
In his parliamentary speech, he criticized opposition members, stating that those who previously took an oath before the President are now opposing the President. He also explained the legitimacy of the interim government.
The Home Minister stated that the government has proposed forming a special committee in Parliament for constitutional amendments. This committee would provide opportunities for participation and discussion from all parties. Addressing the opposition, he said, “We have provided 12 names; you also provide your names.”
He warned that if the path to constitutional amendment is not taken, many controversial issues will persist.
In his speech, he highlighted the political context of 2024, student-mass uprisings, allegations of enforced disappearances and murders, and the long-standing democratic movement. Simultaneously, he expressed concern over derogatory remarks and misuse on social media.
The Home Minister said that while freedom of expression exists, it must remain within reasonable limits, otherwise there is a risk of harming social and religious harmony.
Referring to economic irregularities during the Awami League government’s tenure, he claimed that a significant amount of money was laundered abroad from 2009 to 2024.
Finally, he called upon the opposition to participate in the practice of parliamentary democracy, stating that forming a shadow cabinet would further strengthen democratic practices.