Interim government is getting legitimacy with approval of ordinance

Muhammad Yunus’s caretaker administration is set to receive legitimacy as his interim cabinet has greenlighted a draft ordinance outlining its powers and responsibilities.

On Thursday, the advisory council approved the draft of the "Interim Government Ordinance, 2024" during its meeting, according to a notice from the Cabinet Division.

The ordinance will define the interim government's powers and responsibilities, the status and entitlements of the chief advisor and advisors, resignation procedures, and other related matters.

Details on the specific provisions of the ordinance were not included in the notice.

However, it highlighted the context in which the ordinance is being issued.

The interim government was sworn in on Aug 8 after a student-led mass movement toppled the Sheikh Hasina government on Aug 5. It ended 15 years of rule by the Awami League.

The Cabinet Division says the ordinance is being issued to address the constitutional crisis following the dissolution of the 12th parliament by the president.

The notice details the procedure for consulting the Supreme Court to resolve the constitutional issues resulting from this crisis.

On Aug 8, the Appellate Division advised that, to address the constitutional void, the president could appoint an interim chief advisor and other advisors as needed to run state affairs.

The ordinance is being issued based on the 'doctrine of necessity,' responding to the unified call from the public and student representatives for state reform, according to the Cabinet Division.

According to Article 93 of the Constitution, the president has the authority to issue ordinances during emergencies when parliament is dissolved or not in session.

With the cabinet approval, President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to issue the ordinance, which will carry the same authority as laws passed by parliament.