President Orders July Charter Implementation; Gazette Released

Dhaka, November 13 -- President Mohammed Shahabuddin has issued an official directive to carry out the July National Charter (Constitutional...

Dhaka, November 13 -- President Mohammed Shahabuddin has issued an official directive to carry out the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform), signifying the conclusion of the July National Charter 2025 initiative.

The directive was released in a government publication on Thursday.

As per the official publication, a vote will take place on the same date as the upcoming national election, as part of the constitutional changes mentioned in the July National Charter. This referendum will feature 'Yes' or 'No' options for the four main topics addressed by the Consensus Commission.

If the 'Yes' option wins, a Constitutional Reform Committee will be established consisting of the newly elected parliament members, who will have complete control over the reform initiative. The representatives chosen in the 13th National Election will concurrently hold positions as both parliament members and committee members.

The council will finish the constitutional reform process within 180 days, which is equivalent to six months, starting from the day of its initial meeting. Once the reforms are finalized, the council will dissolve automatically.

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The council will have the power to call and end its meetings, propose and approve changes, and establish all associated processes. The National Parliament Secretariat will offer administrative and logistical assistance to the council.

Constitution Reform Council's Structure

On the designated day, the newly elected individuals will swear an oath to serve as legislators, and they will simultaneously take an oath to become council members during the same ceremony. The individual responsible for administering the parliamentary oath will also oversee the council's oath.

During the initial meeting, participants will select a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. Until the appointment of official officers, a senior member, selected through agreement, will lead the session. If neither the chairperson nor the vice-chairperson is present, any council member can take charge according to the established procedures.

The initial meeting of the council will take place within 30 days following the official declaration of the parliamentary election outcomes, mirroring the setup of the first parliamentary session. At least 60 members must be present to carry out council activities.

Any choice made by the committee will be based on a majority vote. If there is a tie, the chairperson will have the final say.

As per the gazette, the council will have the same legal standing, benefits, and immunity as members of parliament. The council will be responsible for incorporating the July National Charter into the Constitution as part of its implementation duties.

Upper House Formation

The President's directive also requires the creation of a Upper House within one month following the completion of constitutional changes.

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The upcoming chamber will be established using proportional representation (PR) depending on the percentage of votes obtained in the lower house election.

The term of the Upper House will begin on the day it is sworn in and continue until the lower house is dissolved. During national elections, there will be no distinct list of candidates for the Upper House.

In case any procedural challenges occur while establishing the Upper House, the government has the authority to issue instructions, and the council will be authorized to implement essential regulations.

The publication also mentions that any reform approved by the council will be definitive and will not need further approval or support.

The President has ordered the publication of the revised Constitution in the official government journal immediately.

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