STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The government yesterday proposed forming a special parliamentary committee to amend the constitution in line with the July charter.

The opposition, however, said they need time to decide on joining the committee as they seek reform of the constitution.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said he and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed earlier proposed forming a special committee to bring amendments to the constitution.

“We have prepared a list of 12 members, which includes BNP, Gono Adhikar Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolan, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), and independent MPs.”

Highlighting the proportion of opposition representation in the parliament, the law minister said, “In percentage terms, the opposition holds 26 percent. From their side, we are asking for five names. We have prepared a list of 12 -- seven from BNP and five from other parties. If the opposition provides five more names, we want to present the matter tomorrow [Thursday] and move forward with forming the special committee.”

Following the minister’s proposal, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal addressed Opposition

SEE PAGE 2 COL 1