Constitutional Reforms Require Prior Amendments: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed asserted on Monday that the government cannot implement any measures, including the formation of a "Constitutional Reform Council," without first amending the Constitution.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on March 2, the Minister emphasized that while political groups have the right to propose reforms, all actions must remain within existing legal frameworks.

"A Constitutional Reform Council can only be established through a formal constitutional amendment," the Minister explained. "Currently, the Constitution contains no such provision. We cannot introduce anything unconstitutional in Parliament."

Addressing the controversy surrounding the President's scheduled speech in the first session of the 13th National Parliament, Salahuddin Ahmed noted that the address is a constitutional requirement. "The President will speak in accordance with constitutional norms. While individuals have the right to express their opposition, the legal mandate will be upheld," he added.

In a move to increase parliamentary inclusivity, the Home Minister also confirmed that the government has received a verbal proposal from the opposition regarding the appointment of a Deputy Speaker from their ranks.

"If the opposition agrees, a Deputy Speaker will be elected from among them during the first session of Parliament," the Minister stated, highlighting the government's intent to ensure opposition participation in legislative proceedings.