Dhaka, Apr 5 (bdnews24.com) — Several members of the constitution review committee have suggested revival of a 1972 constitution provision to ensure election of technocrats appointed as ministers within six months.
In its meeting on Tuesday, the special parliamentary body, advocated for the revival of Article 56 as it was in 1972, committee member Abdul Matin Khasru told reporters.
The former Awami League law minister said the '72 constitution had the provision that technocrat-ministers have to get elected within six months of their appointment.
The ruling Grand Alliance government has technocrats in law minster Shafique Ahmed, industries minister Dilip Barua and science and technology state minster Yeafes Osman.
According to Article 56 (2) of the current constitution, one-tenth of the cabinet members could be made technocrat-ministers. But they must have the necessary qualifications of contesting an election.
Khasru said, "It's the scheme of the constitution that only the elected representatives would be part of the government."
"Most of the committee members have agreed with the proposal, but we did not take any decision on the issue. It will be finalised on Wednesday's meeting," he added.
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