Gazi Anowar :
The Constitution Reform Commission submitted its report to Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday, proposing the removal of secularism and two other fundamental principles from the constitution, while introducing four new principles: equality, human dignity, social justice, pluralism, and democracy.
On the same day, reports from three other reform commissions were also submitted: the Electoral System Reform Commission, the Police Administration Reform Commission, and the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission.
The heads of the commissions, along with other members, handed over the reports to the Chief Adviser at his office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, as confirmed by sources in the Chief Adviser’s Office.
Among the existing four principles in the constitution, only democracy is proposed to remain unchanged. Experts have expressed support for the committee’s recommendations, calling them rational.
Dhaka University Professor Dr. SM Ali Reza told The New Nation on Wednesday, “Communal harmony has historically prevailed in Bangladesh. In this context, retaining the word ‘secularism’ in our constitution is unnecessary. People from various religious backgrounds have lived together harmoniously for a long time.”
He added that the term “secularism” has been used politically and does not reflect the everyday reality of life in Bangladesh. He also argued that socialism, in its previous forms, was aimed at ensuring social-economic justice and should not necessarily remain in the constitution. Instead, he suggested that social-economic equality should be the focus.
Professor Ali Riaz, head of the Constitutional Reform Commission, is regarded as a rational and liberal person, with experts praising his approach to the reforms.
The ongoing constitutional reform is seen as a step toward building a more equitable society in the wake of the 2024 popular uprising, led by an anti-discrimination student movement.
The current constitutional principles-nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism-were enshrined in the 1972 constitution after Bangladesh’s independence following the Liberation War.
According to the commission, the exclusion of secularism, socialism, and nationalism from the constitution, along with the removal of associated provisions (Articles 8, 9, 10, and 12), reflects the changes in the national landscape after the 2024 uprising.
The commission has also proposed a referendum to amend the constitution, along with the introduction of a bicameral parliament.
The interim government plans to discuss these proposals with political parties in February and move towards implementation once a consensus is reached.
Since the interim government came to power following the July mass uprising, it has emphasized the need for reforms in various sectors. As part of this effort, 11 reform commissions were formed in two phases.
The reports from the Electoral System, Police Administration, Judiciary, Anti-Corruption, and Constitution Reform Commissions have now been submitted, while the deadlines for the Judiciary and Public Administration Reform Commissions have been extended.
Proposals that gain political consensus will be implemented, and a timeline for the execution of these reforms will be established after further discussions.
