Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed clarified that the Constitutional Reform Council has no existence under the Constitution. He stated that the matter is still pending in the High Court and will only proceed if it is legally ratified.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday (15 March) before entering the second day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament, he said:
“The President has called the session of the National Parliament, not the Constitutional Reform Council. According to the Constitution, the Reform Council does not exist, and the matter is still under judicial review.”
He added:
“The Speaker and Deputy Speaker have resigned from their party positions to ensure impartiality. Constitutionally, no such council exists before us.
If the outcome of a public referendum requires it to be recognized in the Constitution, an amendment would need to be made first. That will be discussed in Parliament. Once the Constitution is amended, the council may formally exist, and only then will the form and swearing-in be addressed.”
Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that, at present, the President’s authority to convene the National Parliament is fully in accordance with the Constitution, not any other body.
