Opposition leader seeks discussion on July Charter
A heated procedural debate took place in the Jatiya Sangsad on Sunday (29 March) after Opposition Leader Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman attempted to raise a notice on the proposed “July National Charter Constitutional Reform Implementation Order 2025.”
Speaking on a point of order, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said he had followed the Speaker’s earlier advice by submitting the notice in proper form.
He urged the Deputy Speaker, who was presiding over the session, to allow immediate discussion, citing the issue’s “utmost public importance” and referring to provisions concerning the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council.
However, Chief Whip Nurul Islam and members of the treasury bench opposed taking up the matter at that stage.
They argued that parliamentary norms require completion of the question–answer session and proceedings under Rule 71, which covers matters of urgent public importance, before any such notice can be discussed.
The Chief Whip suggested the issue could be addressed after Rule 71, stressing the need to follow established procedures to ensure fairness for all lawmakers, especially backbenchers who depend on question time and Rule 71 to raise constituency concerns.
In response, Shafiqur Rahman maintained that his move was in line with parliamentary rules, including Rule 64, and insisted it was both his right and duty to raise the matter immediately.
He called on the Chair to accept the notice without delay.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed noted that it falls within the Speaker’s discretion to decide whether to allow or defer such discussions, adding that no rights would be compromised if the matter was taken up after scheduled business.
Opposition members continued to push for an immediate debate, arguing that the issue linked to a referendum and implementation of the July Charter was of significant national importance and should take priority over routine proceedings.
In response, the Speaker said the notice had been received and would be handled in accordance with parliamentary rules.
He confirmed that the House would proceed with Rule 71 first before returning to the Opposition Leader’s proposal.
“The notice will be duly considered after completion of the scheduled proceedings,” the Speaker said, assuring lawmakers that a decision would be made afterward.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between maintaining parliamentary procedures and opposition demands for urgent discussion on major political reforms.
