Opposition lawmakers walked out of Bangladesh’s parliament in protest over the government’s decision to form a constitutional amendment committee, arguing that the move bypasses the mandate delivered by voters in a recent referendum.
The referendum received 68.6% support. Before the election, both the ruling party and opposition parties had pledged to implement its outcome if the “Yes” vote prevailed.
Speaking for the opposition, the Jamaat amir said lawmakers had assumed responsibilities under both parliament and the proposed reform framework.
“We have taken two oaths: one as a Member of Parliament and another as a member of the Reform Council. We believe both our oaths are active,” he said.
He warned that disregarding the referendum result could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
“If this 68.6 percent opinion is easily dismissed in this way, then in the future the people will not only lose faith in this democratic system, but will become rebellious,” he said.
Announcing the walkout, he said, “Since the people’s mandate is not being respected, we are walking out in protest.”
Home minister Salahuddin Ahmed rejected the opposition’s legal interpretation, arguing that the second oath taken by lawmakers as members of a constitutional reform council had no constitutional validity.
“The oath they took as members of the constitutional reform council… is unconstitutional… it is void ab initio from the first day… it is full null and void,” Ahmed said.
He also argued that taking a second oath could theoretically invalidate the first parliamentary oath.
Ahmed dismissed the legal authority of the referendum directive, which has been described as the “July Order.”
“The referendum order, which we have named the July Order, was beyond jurisdiction from day one; it is a fraud on the constitution, colourable legislation,” he said.
The government maintains that parliament has exclusive authority to amend the constitution under Article 65. The ruling party also says it received its own electoral mandate after securing 51% of the vote on a 31-point manifesto.
Ahmed said one of the government’s principal objectives is to repeal the 15th Amendment, which was enacted under former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
“If we do not cancel the 15th amendment in this legislature, even if the High Court or Supreme Court gives a verdict, we will have to continue operating based on that amendment,” he said.
“If we do not amend the constitution, then this nation will continue to run with the 15th Amendment provided by Sheikh Hasina. Do we want that?” he added.
The government plans to prepare an 18th Constitutional Amendment Bill following consultations with the judiciary, lawyers, the Supreme Court Bar Association, media editors, intellectuals, constitutional experts and political parties.
“We hope the opposition members will stop playing emotional politics so that we can bring a strong, amended constitutional amendment bill, and they will cooperate for the sake of democracy,” Ahmed said.