Constitutional reform commission proposes major changes to state governance principles

The Constitutional Reform Commission has recommended removing three of the four existing principles guiding state governance in Bangladesh, proposing instead four new principles while ensuring the continuation of democracy.

In a report submitted to Dr Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the Interim Government, on Wednesday, the commission outlined these recommendations for changes in the country’s Constitution.

Currently, the Constitution outlines four guiding principles for state governance—nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism. The commission has recommended retaining only democracy from these four principles and replacing the others with four new principles: equality, human dignity, social justice, and pluralism.

As part of the citizenship-related proposals, the commission recommends replacing the terms ‘Republic’ and ‘People’s Republic of Bangladesh’ with ‘Citizenship’ and ‘People’s Democratic Bangladesh’ in all relevant sections of the Constitution. However, these terms will remain unchanged in the English version, where they will continue to appear as ‘Republic’ and ‘People’s Republic of Bangladesh.’

The commission further suggests that Bengali be declared the state language in the new citizenship-based state. It also proposes recognizing all languages used as mother tongues by citizens as official languages of Bangladesh.

In terms of citizenship, the commission has recommended the abolition of the provision stating, "The people of Bangladesh are a nation of Bengalis." Instead, they suggest amending Article 6(2) to read, "The citizens of Bangladesh will be known as 'Bangladeshi.'"

The Constitutional Reform Commission has made seven key proposals, which include:

Adoption of the new guiding principles for the Constitution and the state.
Establishment of institutional balance of power.
Reduction of the absolute power of the office of the prime minister.
Clear proposals for the structure of the Interim Government.
Decentralization of the judiciary.
Ensuring a robust local government system.
Expansion of fundamental rights, with constitutional protection and enforceability.

In conclusion, the commission suggests replacing the current provisions in the Constitution with the following declaration: "We, the people of Bangladesh, who, in the continuity of the historical struggle for the liberation of this land, achieved independence through people's war and united against autocratic and fascist rule for the establishment of democracy, solemnly pledge, in utmost respect for the martyrs who sacrificed their lives, that the ideals of equality, human dignity, and social justice that inspired the people of Bangladesh in the Liberation War of 1971, and the ideals of democracy and anti-discrimination that united us against fascist rule in 2024, will be established in the state and society."

"We are drafting a Constitution that reflects the highest aspirations of the people of Bangladesh, ensuring the collective development of a sovereign nation and preserving the rights of current and future generations."

News Courtesy:

Dhaka Tribune | January 15, 2025