Next parliamentary polls to be held under caretaker government: Asaduzzaman

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman said on Thursday that the next parliamentary election would be held under a non-partisan caretaker government.

"This reflects the current government's political, electoral and national commitment. At the same time, the restoration of the caretaker government system is the outcome of the BNP's movement," he said.

The minister made the remarks at a press briefing held at the ministry this afternoon, following the apex court judgment earlier in the day that effectively restored the caretaker government system and the referendum.

On the restoration of the caretaker government system, the minister said with confidence, "Insha'Allah, the next election will be held under a caretaker government. This is the outcome of the BNP's 16 to 17 years of struggle. Under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, the 'Save the Country, Save the People' movement was primarily aimed at ensuring that people could cast their votes freely."

"Through the 15th Amendment, a blueprint for fascism was drawn up by burying democracy in the country. From the very beginning, we maintained that it was 'ultra vires (Latin term meaning unconstitutional) to the Constitution. The High Court Division declared certain provisions of the amendment illegal, while leaving the remaining issues to the discretion of the parliament. The Appellate Division has now upheld the High Court's verdict. Therefore, the High Court's judgment has become final," he added.

The law minister further said in line with the verdict, the final framework of the caretaker government system will be formulated through public consultation and referendum.

"A high-level committee will be formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the judgment with a view to amending the Constitution. We will thoroughly address all 54 issues referred to in the verdict. In this process, our primary consideration will be the July Charter. The necessary measures will be implemented in line with the July National Charter," the minister stated.

"Whatever amendments, additions and revisions are required to safeguard the country's independence, sovereignty, democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law will be undertaken," he added.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court today upheld a High Court (HC) verdict declaring parts of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution unconstitutional and void by dismissing three separate appeals, effectively restoring the caretaker government (CG) system and the referendum.

"Appeal is dismissed," read each of the three identical short judgments delivered by the four-member Appellate Division bench headed by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury.

Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal said the Appellate Division, by dismissing the appeals, upheld the High Court's judgment reinstating the caretaker government (CG) system and the referendum.