Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Sunday said the idea of holding the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet members at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad was initially expressed by BNP.
“My understanding is that this parliament is somewhat different. We attained this parliament through the sacrifices of students and the masses in July, through a mass uprising marked by immense sacrifice, hardship, pain and loss of lives. That is why this parliament is a little different from all others,” he told reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Besides, many historic events, including the July Declaration and the July Charter, have taken place in the parliament complex, said the adviser.
“The South Plaza of this parliament is particularly memorable to us for various reasons. The funeral prayer of our late leader Begum Khaleda Zia was held at a nearby place as was the funeral of our beloved martyr Osman Hadi,” he added.
Asif Nazrul said South Plaza had also emerged as a venue for documenting various aspects of the July mass uprising. “Considering all these factors, they perhaps expressed this intention, and we arranged it accordingly.”
The adviser said a farewell meeting was held earlier in the day but no major decisions were taken. “We reflected on our work, shared experiences, and informed everyone about the oath programme. It was more like a final meeting together.”
“The cabinet oath-taking ceremony will be held at the South Plaza at 4pm. As far as I know, the President is scheduled to administer the oath,” Nazrul said.
Asked about invitees, he said those customarily invited under convention would be invited and the Cabinet Division is handling the matter.
On whether the Indian Prime Minister would attend, he said he had no such information. “What I have heard so far is that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the foreign ministers of SAARC countries. I have no information about any Prime Minister attending,” he said.
When asked about speculations that he might be included in the next cabinet the Law Adviser said, “There is no question at all.”