Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh’s Attorney General, Md Asaduzzaman, has issued a strong critique of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, describing it as a direct infringement on the country’s fundamental constitutional principles and a betrayal of the spirit of the Liberation War.
He made these remarks during a High Court hearing on a writ petition on Wednesday challenging the amendment’s legality.
Asaduzzaman argued that the 15th Amendment fundamentally opposes the values inherent in the nation’s founding ideals and the historic struggle for independence. He emphasised that the amendment had undermined the Constitution’s “basic structure,” contradicting principles of democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.
In his statement, the Attorney General also contended that abolishing the caretaker government system through the 15th Amendment had led to an erosion of democratic processes and institutional checks.
He stated that this shift had effectively buried key democratic values and further embedded authoritarian tendencies in the country.
Recalling the sacrifices of those involved in the 1990 and 2004 mass uprisings, Asaduzzaman expressed that the martyrs’ souls would not find peace unless the amendment was repealed. He also warned that the amendment had contributed to a rise in authoritarianism, undermining national sovereignty and weakening the supremacy of the Constitution.
The court is set to continue its review of the case in the coming days, as the legal challenge to the 15th Amendment gains momentum.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Ahmadullah, Chairman of the As-Sunnah Foundation and prominent Islamic scholar, has been invited to participate in an upcoming dialogue on potential constitutional amendments. This discussion will include representatives from various sectors to seek input on possible changes to the nation’s constitution.
Sheikh Ahmadullah expressed his hope for a constitution that reflects the values, beliefs, and culture of the country’s majority population. “We expect a constitution that respects our beliefs, values, and culture,” he stated. “I trust those involved will approach this pivotal moment in our national journey with wisdom and consideration.”
In his message, Sheikh Ahmadullah welcomed the initiative to gather perspectives from diverse stakeholders on constitutional amendments and highlighted several key points for consideration like incorporation of religious beliefs: The constitution should reflect the religious beliefs, values, and cultural identity of the majority. Any provisions that contradict the predominant religious ethos should be omitted or revised.
