Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has described the July Charter Implementation Order as “illegal,” saying the government avoided raising objections earlier in the interest of holding election smoothly.
Speaking during the thanksgiving motion on the President’s address in Parliament, he said several compromises were made and the charter was signed to prevent election delays under the banner of reform discussions.
Questioning the Opposition’s refusal to participate in the Constitution Amendment Committee, Salahuddin asked what would happen if the existing Constitution - after the 15th Amendment -continued without change simply because of their non-cooperation.
He added that treating constitutional amendment as reform should not be controversial if it ensures institutional progress.
The minister also recalled the reform process, saying that during discussions, some senior figures returned from abroad carrying what he termed “so-called extraordinary reform ideas.”
He noted that one of the early decisions involved amending Article 70 of the Constitution, with an agreement that the charter would include notes of dissent before final signing.
Addressing Opposition leaders, he said both sides had signed the document and therefore should now move forward with its implementation. However, he maintained that the subsequent implementation order itself was not consistent with the constitution and therefore invalid.
He also referred to BNP’s earlier position in a press briefing in Gulshan, where the party and its allies reportedly pledged not to accept anything outside the July Charter.
Warning against politicising national history, Salahuddin said no party should exploit the “spirit of 1971” or reduce the “spirit of July” to political slogans, adding that both belong to the nation as a whole.
Commenting on the interim government period, he said it was once supported by political forces from both sides of the Jamuna, suggesting that some now look back on that phase with nostalgia.
The home minister also raised concerns about freedom of expression on social media, saying unchecked online behaviour could create serious societal consequences.
He urged self-restraint, warning that misuse of free speech -especially through personal attacks - was damaging national culture.
He specifically criticised the inclusion of family members of political leaders in abusive narratives, saying such trends would not contribute to national progress.
On Opposition’s activities, he remarked humorously that the formation of a shadow cabinet could increase responsibility while also giving participants a sense of ministerial experience.
Responding to remarks by a Jamaat leader regarding the absence of a bank, Salahuddin questioned the contradiction in denying ownership while also making claims of responsibility.
He added that having institutions like banks should not be a matter of denial.
He also acknowledged political backgrounds of opposition figures, including references to individuals identifying as child freedom fighters or belonging to martyr families, saying such histories should be respected.
The parliamentary session witnessed extended political exchanges as lawmakers debated reform processes, constitutional amendments and political accountability.
