BNP asks President not to sign 16th Amendment Bill

The BNP has called upon the President not to sign the bill for the 16th Amendment, which would restore Parliament's power to impeach Supreme Court judges.

The Party's Joint Secretary General Mohammad Shahjahan made the call at a press briefing on Monday amid its countrywide shutdown protesting the Constitution amendment.

"Through our peaceful strike, we want to stop the government's brazen interference in the judiciary. The people will not accept it.

"We request the President not to sign this bill and send it back to Parliament for further review."

The House passed the 16th Amendment bill on Sept 17, which would empower Parliament to remove Supreme Court judges.

A bill passed by Parliament is forwarded to the President for his assent. Only then it becomes an act.

The President can send it back to the House if he feels it needs further review.

If the bill is not signed within 15 days, then it's assumed that the President has given his assent and the gazette notification will be published.

If the bill is sent back to the House within 15 days, then lawmakers will forward it again, with or without amendment, to the President. 

This time the President will have to sign it within seven days or else it will be granted that he has consented to clear the bill.

The BNP announced on Saturday a countrywide strike being enforced Monday, after the House passed the bill on Wednesday.