The opposition has been asked to nominate representatives to the Parliamentary Special Committee on Constitution Amendment to help build national consensus on implementing the July National Charter.

The call came at the committee's seventh meeting, chaired by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday.

Different issues, including building national consensus on the implementation of the July National Charter and the participation of the opposition in the constitutional amendment process, were discussed at the meeting.

The meeting stressed the need to advance necessary amendments to the Constitution to fulfil public expectations and the commitments of implementation of the July National Charter, according to a press release.

Representatives of teachers who contributed to the July mass uprising, vice-chancellors of different universities, distinguished educationists and constitutional experts attended the meeting and presented their opinions and proposals on constitutional amendment.

They exchanged views over effective mechanisms for amending the Constitution, the caretaker government system, judicial independence and jurisdiction, people’s sovereignty and the protection of fundamental rights.

The meeting also discussed the introduction of an Upper House of Parliament in line with Bangladesh's state structure and possible mechanisms for ensuring representation of different classes and professional groups in the proposed chamber.

Committee members gave due consideration to the opinions of academics and experts on implementing the July National Charter and making necessary constitutional amendments.

Several participants have already submitted their written opinions, while others were requested to submit their proposals to the committee within the next two weeks, if any.

The meeting also underscored the importance of building national consensus on implementing the July National Charter and moving forward with the necessary constitutional amendment process.

Committee members – Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, Zainul Abedin, State Minister for Planning Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque, State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Shakila Farzana and Md Mahmudul Hoque Rubel – attended the meeting.