Constitutional amendment possible through ordinance: Ali Riaz

Highlights

- Consensus Commission seek opinion on reform from 34 political parties
- 166 reforms from 5 commissions proposed
- 70 constitutional, 27 electoral, 23 judicial, 26 public admin, 20 anti-corruption reforms
- Deadline for submissions is 13 March

Amending the constitution through an ordinance is possible, said National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, regarding the implementation of key reform proposals.

Speaking at a press conference at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Building today (10 March), he stated, "Amending the constitution through an ordinance is possible. The constitution has been amended through an ordinance in Bangladesh before. Which was later approved by the elected parliament."

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His remarks came as the commission announced that it had sought opinions from 34 political parties on major recommendations from five reform commissions.

The commission has put forward 166 recommendations, including 70 on constitutional reforms, 27 on the electoral system, 23 on the judiciary, 26 on public administration, and 20 on the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Ali Riaz said that letters were sent on 6 March to the parties and alliances seeking their views, with a deadline of 13 March for submissions.
Discussions will be held on areas of agreement and priority issues to form a national charter.
"Once we receive their opinions, we will begin direct discussions with party representatives. No specific date has been set, but discussions will commence as responses come in," he said. 

He urged political parties to respond promptly, stating, "The next step of this process depends on the parties. We aim to reach a consensus and create a national charter within a short time."

The National Consensus Commission was formed on 12 February to engage with political parties and stakeholders in developing a national consensus on implementing recommendations from six reform commissions ahead of the upcoming elections.

These commissions cover constitutional, electoral system, judiciary, public administration, anti-corruption, and police reforms.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the interim government, serves as chairman of the commission, which has a six-month mandate.

The commission began its work on 15 February with an inaugural courtesy meeting attended by 104 representatives from 34 political parties under Professor Yunus's chairmanship. The participants reiterated their commitment to advancing the reform process.

Ali Riaz stated that, following requests from political parties, hard copies of the full reports from all six reform commissions were delivered to the 34 parties by 22 February. Soft copies had already been sent earlier.

After this, the Consensus Commission held three rounds of internal discussions to identify the most significant recommendations.

"The key recommendations from five commissions have been arranged in tabular form. However, the Police Reform Commission's recommendations were not included, as they believe their proposals can be implemented through administrative arrangements," he said.

Political parties have been asked to submit their opinions, selecting one of three options—'agree,' 'disagree,' or 'partially agree'—for each recommendation.

In addition, they have been requested to provide input on the preferred timeframe and method for implementation.

Six options have been provided: 'through ordinance before elections,' 'through referendum before elections,' 'through referendum during elections,' 'through a constituent assembly,' 'through constitutional reforms after elections,' or 'through a constituent assembly and elected parliament as the legislature.' A section for additional comments is also included.

Ali Riaz added that besides gathering input from political parties, the commission will soon launch a website to collect public opinions on the key recommendations.

The Consensus Commission has been receiving cooperation from political parties, civil society, and the media in its efforts to develop reforms for the constitution and various state institutions, he noted.
 

News Courtesy:

TBS | March 10, 2025