Staff Reporter :
Dr. Kamal Hossain, a renowned constitutional expert and one of the principal architects of Bangladesh’s 1972 Constitution, has advised the Constitution Reform Commission to take proactive steps in modernising the country’s foundational legal document.
His appeal was made during a meeting with commission members at his office in Dhaka’s Motijheel area on Saturday.
Dr. Hossain met with a delegation led by Professor Ali Riaz, Chair of the Constitution Reform Commission, to discuss the path forward for constitutional reform in Bangladesh.
During the meeting, he emphasised the importance of updating the Constitution to address the nation’s evolving socio-political landscape and contemporary challenges.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Hossain expressed confidence in the commission’s commitment to the task, highlighting that the Constitution must evolve to meet the present and future needs of Bangladesh.
He stressed that a robust, updated Constitution is essential for safeguarding democratic values and citizens’ rights, as well as upholding national sovereignty.
Other commission members attending the meeting included Professor Sumaiya Khair, Barrister Imran Siddique, Professor Mohammad Ikramul Haque, Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan, Barrister M Moin Alam Ferozi, Firoz Ahmed, and Md Mustain Billah.
Dr. Hossain, who served as the head of the 1972 Constitution Drafting Committee, has long been recognised as a key figure in Bangladesh’s constitutional history.
His leadership in drafting the original Constitution laid the foundation for the country’s legal and democratic structure.
His recent call for reform reflects his ongoing commitment to adapting Bangladesh’s governance framework to meet emerging needs.
The Constitution Reform Commission, established to examine and propose updates to the Constitution, has commenced consultations and discussions with various stakeholders.
In this initial meeting with Dr. Hossain, commission members explored key reform areas and strategies for wider public engagement.
Dr. Hossain’s recommendations are expected to significantly influence the commission’s future decisions.
The commission will likely focus on balancing traditional values with the demands of a rapidly changing world, addressing issues such as civil rights, governance, and checks and balances within the political system.