Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Thursday said the next parliamentary election will be held under a non-party caretaker government following the Supreme Court's verdict restoring the constitutional provisions for the caretaker system and referendum.
Speaking at a press briefing at the ministry after the Appellate Division's judgment, the minister said the decision reflects the government's political, electoral and national commitment.
He also described the restoration of the caretaker government system as the outcome of the BNP's long-standing movement.
Expressing confidence, Asaduzzaman said the next general election would be conducted under a caretaker government, adding that the opposition's years of political struggle had contributed to the restoration of the system.
Referring to the Constitution's 15th Amendment, the minister said it had abolished the caretaker government system, a move he described as unconstitutional. He noted that the High Court had earlier declared several provisions of the amendment illegal, while leaving other issues to Parliament.
He said the Appellate Division had now upheld the High Court's ruling, making the judgment final.
The minister said the government would formulate the final framework of the caretaker government system through public consultation and a referendum in line with the court's directives.
He also announced that a high-level committee would be formed to review the judgment and recommend the constitutional amendments required to implement the verdict.
According to the minister, the committee will examine all 54 issues referred to in the judgment, with the July Charter serving as a key reference in the reform process.
He said the government would undertake all necessary constitutional amendments to strengthen democracy, uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and safeguard the country's independence and sovereignty.
Earlier in the day, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court upheld a High Court verdict declaring key provisions of the 15th Amendment unconstitutional by dismissing three separate appeals, effectively restoring the constitutional provisions for a non-party caretaker government and referendum.
