A heated debate unfolded in the national parliament yesterday regarding the proposal to convene a constitutional reform council. Members from both the ruling and opposition parties presented arguments for and against the council’s formation, citing constitutional and legal interpretations of the July Charter Implementation Order and the referendum. The two-hour discussion concluded without a definitive decision, though the Speaker commended the lively exchange of views.

The debate was initiated by a motion of adjournment raised by the Leader of the Opposition and Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiur Rahman, concerning the call for a constitutional reform council. Eight opposition MPs, including Dr. Rahman, participated in the discussion. The government side was represented by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Law Minister Asaduzzaman, and MP Andalib Rahman Partha of the allied BJP party. Prime Minister Tareq Rahman was also present and reportedly praised Andalib Rahman Partha for his strong rebuttals to the opposition’s points.

The discussion on the adjournment motion took precedence over the debate on the President’s address. The proceedings, which began at 4:45 PM, continued until 8:45 PM with a break for Maghrib prayers. A total of eleven MPs contributed to the debate, with opposition members constituting a larger share. Earlier, on November 29, the Leader of the Opposition had submitted the adjournment motion under rule 62, which the Speaker accepted for discussion as the last agenda item on March 31.

During the debate, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed described the July Reform Order as a document of endless deception, asserting that it was not a legitimate law and that the President lacked the authority to issue such an order, thus precluding the formation of a constitutional reform council.