Bangladesh Parliament, the Jatiya Sangsad today passed the 15th Constitution amendment bill 2011 giving effect to some landmark changes in the country’s constitution including that of scrapping the caretaker government system for holding elections. In addition to this the bill also retains the provision declaring Islam as the state religion of Bangladesh. It also assures that the State shall ensure equal status equal rights and status to the people of all other religions. The bill was passed by a division vote with 291 votes in favour of the bill and one against it amidst the continuing boycott of the house proceedings by the main opposition party the BNP and its allies which have been opposing the amendment. Addressing the parliament after the passage of the bill, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the opposition to come up with their formula about interim government without creating unnecessary disturbance in the country. She said that through this amendment they have ensured the empowerment of the people and also protected the ideals and principles of the Liberation War.