Article 70 to be amended, says Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the government is moving ahead with plans to amend Article 70 of the Constitution, adding that the next presidential election will be held under the revised provision.
He made the remarks on Thursday, August 20, while speaking to reporters at the parliament premises before casting his vote in the presidential election.

Salahuddin said Bangladesh was holding a competitive presidential election after nearly 35 years, with an opposition candidate contesting the race.

He described the development as important for strengthening democratic practice and said such competition should continue in future elections.

“Through competitive elections, people will see a practical reflection of the democratic system they expect,” he said.

Under the existing Article 70, a lawmaker loses their parliamentary seat if they resign from the political party that nominated them or vote against the party in parliament.

The provision has long been debated over concerns that it restricts
lawmakers’ ability to vote independently.

The home minister said the government had already begun the process of amending the article, although the opposition had yet to join the committee formed for broader constitutional reform.

According to the proposed amendment, lawmakers would be allowed to vote against their party on most issues, except confidence votes and money bills.

Salahuddin said the amendment process would continue and the revised provision would be implemented in the future.