Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said that the main opposition party has been verbally requested to nominate a candidate for the post of Deputy Speaker in line with the July National Charter.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Monday.
Responding to a question about which party would assume the Deputy Speaker’s position in the National Parliament, the State Minister said the July Charter was signed on the basis of consensus and should now be implemented as a document of political understanding.
“In that spirit, we have verbally and directly proposed to the main opposition party to decide name of a nominee for the post of Deputy Speaker,” he said.
He added that the BNP has also urged that the Deputy Speaker be elected on the same day as the Speaker to uphold the principles of the July National Charter.
Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the formation of an upper house of Parliament is currently under discussion.
Responding to a question about whether any initiative has been taken to establish an upper chamber, he stated, “The issue is under discussion. However, a proposal has already been made to allocate the post of Deputy Speaker to the opposition party. The ruling party may choose to assume both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions if it wishes. But according to the July National Charter, the Deputy Speaker is supposed to come from the opposition. Considering that, we have made this proposal as a gesture of goodwill.”
He emphasized that no matter outside the Constitution can be placed before Parliament. “If necessary, it can be introduced through a constitutional amendment and then brought before the Constitutional Reform Council for discussion. Nothing can be implemented without being incorporated into the Constitution,” he said.
He also noted that, in accordance with the Constitution, the President will deliver an address at the inaugural session of the 13th National Parliament.
