Parliament has descended into heated exchanges over an Opposition notice seeking a session of the Constitutional Reform Council to implement proposals under the July National Charter.

The dispute intensified when Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed questioned the notice’s legality on Sunday, sparking protests and uproar from Opposition members.

After the Eid recess, the session resumed with a question-answer hour before Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman raised the issue under a point of order, demanding discussion on the delay in convening the council.

Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal later ruled that a two-hour debate would be held on Tuesday.

The July Charter outlines 48 constitutional reform proposals.

Following a Feb 12 referendum approving them, lawmakers were to serve simultaneously as members of the reform council, with its first session due within 30 days of election results.

While Opposition members, including the Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party, took dual oaths, BNP MPs did not, preventing the council’s formation within the deadline.

Shafiqur argued the delay had created a “deadlock” that ignored public expectations.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam insisted scheduled business be completed first, while Opposition figures pressed for immediate debate.

Salahuddin said the government supported discussion but urged adherence to procedural rules.

“The notice itself is not valid,” he said, citing provisions that require legislative action for constitutional changes.

He instead proposed forming a “Constitution Reform Committee” including all parties.

As he spoke, Opposition MPs rose in protest, forcing him to seek “protection” from the chair amid mounting disorder.

Law Minister Asaduzzaman termed the proposal “timely and reasonable”, but sought preparation time, noting MPs needed relevant documents before debate.

Despite continued interruptions -- even leading to the minister’s microphone being cut -- the deputy speaker upheld his ruling for a Tuesday discussion.