Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh’s Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman said on Thursday that the next parliamentary election would be held under a non-partisan caretaker government, following an Appellate Division verdict that effectively restored the caretaker government system and the provision for referendum.
“This reflects the current government’s political, electoral and national commitment. At the same time, the restoration of the caretaker government system is the outcome of the BNP’s movement,” the minister told a press briefing at the ministry.
Expressing confidence, he said, “Insha’Allah, the next election will be held under a caretaker government. This is the outcome of the BNP’s 16 to 17 years of struggle. Under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, the ‘Save the Country, Save the People’ movement was primarily aimed at ensuring that people could cast their votes freely.”
Criticising the 15th Amendment, Asaduzzaman said, “Through the 15th Amendment, a blueprint for fascism was drawn up by burying democracy in the country. From the very beginning, we maintained that it was ultra vires to the Constitution. The High Court Division declared certain provisions of the amendment illegal, while leaving the remaining issues to the discretion of the parliament. The Appellate Division has now upheld the High Court’s verdict. Therefore, the High Court’s judgment has become final.”
The minister said the final framework of the caretaker government system would be formulated through public consultation and referendum. “A high-level committee will be formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the judgment with a view to amending the Constitution. We will thoroughly address all 54 issues referred to in the verdict. In this process, our primary consideration will be the July Charter. The necessary measures will be implemented in line with the July National Charter,” he said.
“Whatever amendments, additions and revisions are required to safeguard the country’s independence, sovereignty, democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law will be undertaken,” he added.
Earlier in the day, a four-member Appellate Division bench headed by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury dismissed three separate appeals against the High Court verdict that had declared parts of the 15th Amendment unconstitutional and void.
“Appeal is dismissed,” the bench said in three identical short judgments.
Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kazal said the dismissal of the appeals meant the High Court judgment reinstating the caretaker government system and referendum had been upheld.