PM To Shape Polls-Time Cabinet: Law Minister

Nowhere in the Constitution has anything been mentioned about a polls-time government. That is why the prime minister will take a decision regarding the required number of cabinet members in the government, said Law Minister Anisul Huq on Tuesday (October 17).

The minister told this to newspersons at the secretariat this afternoon. Earlier, he held a meeting with a delegation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that was led by its Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen.

Anisul Huq said the prime minister will decide how many ministers she needs. Everyone will continue if she thinks it is necessary. The size would be smaller if she thinks so. This would be her decision. The constitution has endowed this power on her.

He informed the media that everything, including passing a few acts, could be discussed in the parliament session that is going to sit in this month.

Meanwhile, a discussion was held on the draft of Bangladesh Labour (Amended) Act, 2023 that was recently passed in a cabinet meeting during the meeting with ILO delegates.

Earlier, signatures or support of at least 20 per cent of the workers of any factory was required to apply for the constitution of a trade union. But as per the draft of the amended act, support of at least 20 per cent of the workers will be required if the number of workers in any factory is less than 3,000. Support of 15 per cent workers will be required if the total number of workers is over 3,000.

And, a trade union can be formed at any group of companies if 20 per cent of the workers want it. Currently, the support of 30 per cent of workers is required in this case.

The law minister said ILO had some observations regarding the amendment of the act. They presented those to us. Some of the issues have been settled, while we provided explanations regarding some issues. And, some of the issues need detailed discussions. A meeting will be held at the law ministry on 22 October on those matters, he added.