Bangladesh Nationalist Party Does Not Take Oath of Constitution Reform Council; DUCSU VP Abu Sadek Kayem Warns of Lawsuit Over ‘Screenshots’

Staff Correspondent

Dhaka, 17 February 2026: A fresh storm of controversy has erupted against the BNP over its decision not to take oath as a member of the Constitution Reform Council at the swearing-in ceremony of the 13th National Parliament. This time, Abu Sadeq Kayem, vice president of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and leader of Islami Chhatra Shibir, has strongly criticized the decision.

In a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday (February 17), he described BNP’s stance as a disregard for public opinion. Sadeq Kayem wrote: “Ignoring public opinion, BNP is not taking oath as a member of the Reform Council. Through this decision, BNP has made its anti-reform stance clear.

BNP’s decision is an expression of its latent desire to keep the existing fascist structure intact in the country. If BNP does not move away from such a decision, the July generation will take to the streets and implement the aspirations of July, InshaAllah.” This post quickly went viral on social media and was published in various media. Multiple media outlets including Jugantor, Kaler Kantho, Prothom Alo have published detailed reports on this incident.

Although they took oath as members of parliament at the National Parliament Building this morning, the elected members of the BNP (about 209) did not take a separate oath of the Constitution Reform Council. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that this council does not exist in the current constitution, there is no provision for such an oath in the Third Schedule and the Chief Election Commissioner does not have the constitutional authority to administer this oath. The decision was taken on the instructions of party chairperson Tarique Rahman. As a result of this stance, some parties including Jamaat-e-Islami initially expressed reluctance to take the oath, although later Jamaat leaders took both oaths.

Abu Sadek Kayem is known as one of the active leaders of the July Revolution. He has been elected as the VP of DUCSU and holds important positions in the Chhatra Shibir. His criticism is believed to be a reflection of the anger of a section of the July generation. In the post, he called BNP ‘anti-reform’ and ‘protector of the fascist structure’ and warned of street protests, which has created new tension in political circles. Reactions and discussion:

• Many on social media supported Sadek Qaim’s post, especially youth and students associated with the July Movement.
• On the other hand, BNP supporters are claiming it is part of following the constitutional process.
• Political analysts believe that this incident could create a rift in the new parliament and the reform process from the first day. The distance between the BNP and the July generation may increase over the issue of implementing the July Charter.

This incident signals a new polarization in the country’s politics, which could become more intense in the coming days.