The ruling Awami League has shifted from its stance of wrapping up the ongoing parliament session on October 24 and decided to continue sittings to “ensure people’s security” in the face of the opposition leader’s threat of street movement.
The treasury bench has already communicated its latest decision to Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.
On September 12, the Business Advisory Committee of the Jatiya Sangsad had decided that the current 19th session would continue until October 24. The government of Sheikh Hasina would then turn into an interim administration for 90 days.
“I think the current session will continue beyond October 24. The constitution does not bar holding parliament sittings after October 24 as the legislature has a mandate for five years,” Speaker Shirin Sharmin told the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.
“It is for the leader of the house and the treasury bench to decide how long the current session will run or whether to call another session,” she said.
Awami League leaders said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s warning of mobilising street movement after October 24 had created a sense of anxiety among people and also among the party leaders and activists. The warning might harm the morale of the Awami League leaders, ultimately affecting the party in the upcoming national polls.
“The constitution fixes a five-year term for parliament. The charter also does not stand in the way of keeping the cabinet. So, keeping parliament and the cabinet will certainly give people a sense of security,” Suranjit Sengupta, a minister without portfolio, told the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.
On Wednesday, senior leader Tofail Ahmed had said: “As the leader of the opposition has been issuing threats, we should continue the parliament session.”
Tofail Ahmed, Suranjit Sengupta and Matia Chowdhury had told parliament on Wednesday that the current 19th session could continue.
The main opposition BNP, however, has no say about the Awmai League’s decision to continue parliament session beyond October 24.
“We have no position on the issue. They are in the power they can do whatever they like. We are least bothered about the continuation of parliament session,” Opposition Chief Whip Zainul Abdin Farroque told the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.
“We are now focused on making our October 25 programme a success,” he said.
According to article 123 of the constitution, the next general elections must take place within 90 days before the completion of parliament’s five-year term from the first day of its first session.
The Awami League-led ninth parliament had its first session on January 25, 2009. So, it is supposed to exist up to January 24 next year.
The constitution obligates the Election Commission to announce election schedules on any convenient day and hold election within the stipulated 90 days.
Many countries following the Westminster form of government dissolve parliament before the interim period.