The Daily Star
A parliamentary special committee formed to review 133 ordinances issued during the interim government has identified 20 issues requiring further clarification.
Committee chairman Zainul Abedin disclosed the development to reporters yesterday after an adjourned meeting held at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
“We have examined all 133 ordinances and completed discussions on them over the past two days,” he said.
“On many of them, we are in full agreement. Four issues were identified yesterday (Tuesday), and several more were added today (yesterday), bringing the total to 20 where we believe further clarification is needed,” he added.
The committee will reconvene on March 29 at 8:30pm, following the parliamentary session, to deliberate further on these outstanding matters, said Zainul, adding, “We hope we will be able to settle everything and reach final decisions in that meeting.”
He also noted that there had been no objections from Jamaat members regarding the ordinances that were approved by consensus. “Those we have agreed upon and passed did not face any objections from them,” he said.
The chairman explained that the ordinances requiring additional scrutiny would undergo further examination before any final decision is taken.
He also referred to the deadline set by parliament for submitting the committee’s report by April 2.
Zainul Abedin warned that failure to submit the report within the stipulated time would prevent parliamentary discussion on the ordinances.
He further noted that, under constitutional provisions, ordinances would automatically lapse if no decision is taken within one month of the commencement of the parliamentary session.
Responding to questions, he said decisions on several key ordinances — including those related to the referendum, the Anti-Corruption Commission, police commission, judicial appointments and the human rights commission — are yet to be finalised.
When asked whether there had been any proposal to repeal the referendum ordinance, he said, “We have neither proposed to repeal it nor to retain it. We have said it can be discussed.”
He added that issues facing objections could still be brought before parliament in the form of bills after further deliberations.
“We want to proceed in accordance with the Constitution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday said the review process of 133 ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government is now at its final stage.
“Consensus has already been reached on four ordinances related to ‘July protection’, including those providing indemnity and support to which will be placed in Parliament in their existing form,” he said, while speaking to reporters after a meeting of a special parliamentary committee.
He said the ordinances are being categorised into three groups for decision-making.
He also noted that two key considerations are guiding the review process: the “July National Charter” and constitutional compliance.
“We are giving priority to the July National Charter. Each bill is being considered in light of constitutional requirements and public expectations,” he said.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/review-133-ordinances-js-panel-flags-20-issues-clarification-4135786
