Where do we stand now, constitutionally?

Dr M Shah Alam

Dr. M. Shah Alam , member of the Bangladesh Law Commission, wrote an article regarding recent debate of Constitutional amenment and reprint in the country. The article is published here for the BLHouse readers.

BLHouse Report

M. Shah AlamIt is becoming increasingly clear that it is not as easy for the government to address the post-Fifth Amendment judgement situation as was thought by many. The task has been further complicated by the Seventh Amendment judgement. There is speculation that the State-Religion part of the Eighth Amendment can also be challenged.

True, the power to amend any constitution exclusively lies with the parliament. It is equally true that the verdict of the apex court has the force of law and is binding on any individual or institution in the country. Our parliament is yet to amend the Constitution in line with the Supreme Court verdict, while the verdict itself is in the full force of the law. What, then, is our constitutional position now? And how weare going to put all the questions, speculations and confusions brewing around this at rest?

Law Commission chairman resigned for not getting support from government

Justice MA Rashid

BLHouse Report

The Law Commission chairman, Justice MA Rashid, has resigned from his office. He resigned for some differences of opinions, with the law ministry, including over reprint of the Constitution, sources in Law Commission said.

As reason behind his resignation, Justice MA Rashid yesterday told newsman, "I could not work how I wanted for not getting necessary support from the concerned authorities. So, I have resigned."

"I had wanted to make the commission as a strong body, but could not do that," he added expressing frustration.