BNP welcomes shadow cabinet initiative: Salahuddin Ahmed

BNP Standing Committee Member and newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the party has welcomed the initiative to form an opposition shadow cabinet, describing it as a constructive democratic step.

Speaking to reporters in front of the BNP’s Gulshan office in Dhaka, Salahuddin outlined constitutional procedures related to the swearing-in of newly elected lawmakers.

He said that the Election Commission holds the authority to conduct parliamentary election as well as the presidential election. In the absence of a speaker and deputy speaker, he added, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is empowered to administer the oath to MPs.

“Accordingly, the CEC will administer the oath to the MPs tomorrow,” Salahuddin said.

Addressing questions about the proposed Constitution Reform Council, he clarified that under the existing constitutional framework, the CEC does not have the authority to administer the oath to such a body.

“If provisions are incorporated into the constitution through amendment specifying who will administer the oath, then the swearing-in of the Constitution Reform Council can take place,” he explained.

Another BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the country faces challenges across all divisions. He remarked that key sectors, including the economy, education and healthcare, are under strain and require urgent attention.

Khasru also noted that no final decision has yet been made regarding ministerial portfolios in the upcoming cabinet, adding that details would be announced in due course.