110 of 133 ordinances enacted, 16 under further review: Law minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman said on Sunday that 110 out of 133 ordinances placed before the Jatiya Sangsad were enacted into law while 16 others would undergo further review.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat, he said the ordinances were passed through 91 bills with the remaining 16 not presented in the parliament due to the need for additional scrutiny.
He rejected claims that the government had “dropped” the ordinances and alleged that certain groups were spreading misinformation. 
“The 16 ordinances require further scrutiny and review in line with the report of the special committee. Necessary action will be taken accordingly.”
The minister said transparency and accountability provisions were clearly outlined in the preambles of the laws. He urged all not to misinterpret or misrepresent the government’s position.
“There is no ambiguity. When a bill is passed in parliament, it becomes law. Even repeal bills are part of the law, and they include commitments for further review where necessary,” he added.
Providing a breakdown, he said 97 ordinances were passed in their original form, 13 with minor amendments, and seven as repeal bills, while 16 were not presented.
He said the 110 ordinances were enacted through consolidation into 91 bills, noting that in several cases multiple amendments to a single ordinance were merged into one bill before passage.

Citing examples, the minister referred to laws related to the National Human Rights Commission, Supreme Court judges’ appointment and the Supreme Court Secretariat, where further consultation with stakeholders was deemed necessary.
Also speaking at the briefing, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government had set a precedent by disposing 
 of 133 ordinances in the first session of the 13th National Parliament within a short time.
He said Article 93 of the Constitution requires ordinances issued during a previous administration to be placed before Parliament within 30 days of a session.
Addressing confusion over the number of bills, he said the figure of 91 includes consolidated ordinances, explaining that multiple amendments to a single ordinance were combined into one bill during the legislative process.
On the opposition’s walkout over the “July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum” bill, he said the government remains open to further discussion and possible amendments in future sessions.
He also said laws related to enforced disappearance, the Human Rights Commission and the International Crimes Tribunal would be further refined through consultations to eliminate inconsistencies and strengthen justice mechanisms.
“I myself was a victim of enforced disappearance. We do not want flawed laws that allow perpetrators to escape through loopholes,” he said.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni was also present at the briefing. 
The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]

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