July Charter will be implemented thru constitutional amendment: Law minister
Published: 04 April 2026, 6:34:52
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said that the July Charter will be implemented through amendments to the Constitution, dismissing claims that the charter would be invalidated if a referendum is cancelled.
“We will implement the July Charter through constitutional amendments. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Those who say that the July Charter will be scrapped if the referendum is cancelled are trying to mislead the public,” he said.
He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a canal excavation programme in Shailkupa of Jhenaidah district.
The law minister said that the existence of the July Charter does not depend on whether a referendum takes place. “The July Charter is independent, unique and effective on its own,” he added.
Rejecting rumours about the possible cancellation of the Human Rights Commission Act, the proposed separate secretariat for the Supreme Court, and the Disappearance Commission, he said none of these initiatives had been scrapped.
“My dear friends, none of these have been cancelled. All of these matters will be reviewed, and we will return with new bills after proper evaluation,” he said.
Issuing a strong warning against the creation of an artificial fuel crisis, the minister said the government may take strict action against black marketing and hoarding if necessary.
“We have been on a soft line so far. But if required, we will enforce the punishment provisions under Section 25A of the Special Powers Act of 1974 against black marketers and hoarders. The maximum punishment under this law is the death penalty. We have instructed the administration to be strict,” he said.
He further added that strict action would be taken regardless of political affiliation.
“If any BNP leader or activist is involved, they should be arrested first. If anyone from BNP is found involved in such wrongdoing, they must be handcuffed and sent to jail. If anyone tries to lobby on their behalf, they should also be arrested. We will take legal action against black marketing and hoarding at any cost,” the minister said.
