A special committee of Bangladesh’s National Parliament has decided not to present the referendum ordinance as a bill, citing that its effectiveness has already expired. The decision was made during a meeting held on Sunday night at the Cabinet Room of the Parliament, where the committee completed its review of 133 ordinances issued during the interim government period. The committee plans to submit its report to Parliament on April 2.

Opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami objected to the decision, arguing that the referendum involved the entire nation and its outcome should be implemented. Jamaat members also opposed several other ordinances, including those related to the Human Rights Commission, Police Commission, and enforced disappearance prevention, submitting notes of dissent on 15 ordinances. They accused the ruling party of attempting to restore partisan control over key institutions.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that some ordinances would be passed as they are, others would be amended, and a few might be deferred to the next session. He reiterated that the referendum ordinance no longer required ratification or conversion into law.