A complete re-writing of constitution or amendment of present constitution: a hurdle for the interim Government
The Constitution Reform Commission set up by the Interim Government in Bangladesh submits report to the Chief Advisor recommending essential reforms to the current Constitution
On January 15, 2025, the Constitutional Reform Commission, one of the six reform commissions set up by Bangladesh’s interim government, submitted its report to the Mohammad Yunus-led Interim Government.
The Commission led by Prof Ali Riaz recommended expanding the scope of fundamental rights and ensuring their constitutional protection through a comprehensive charter merging the second and third sections of the constitution to form a new charter on "fundamental rights and liberty". Therefore, the right to food, education, healthcare or the right to vote will become enforceable in a court of law. The other major recommendations made by the Commission are:
Bicameral parliament system with a 400-seat lower house, or the National Assembly, and a 105-seat upper house or the Senate. The tenure of both Houses is set at four years. Of the 400 assembly members elected directly, 100 will be reserved for women.
Political parties will be required to nominate at least 10 percent of candidates in the lower house or the National Assembly from among the youth.
The minimum age to contest in the parliamentary election will be reduced to 21 years from the existing 25 years.
The Commission recommended the appointment of two Deputy Speakers with one coming from the opposition.
The Member of Parliaments will be allowed to vote against party line except Finance Bills thus proposing to strike out the bar in Article 70 of the present Constitution which stipulates that an MP cannot vote against the decision of the party from which he/she has been nominated.
The Commission recommends a National Constitutional Council (NCC) to ensure transparency and accountability in state functions and establish balance among the branches and institutions of the state.
The Commission recommends the appointment of an interim Government to conduct parliamentary elections and remain in office until the next elected government takes oath. It is pertinent to state that the non-party Caretaker Government system for holding national election was earlier abolished by 15th amendment to the Constitution on July 03, 2011.
The President's term will be limited to four years with a two-term limit. The Commission also proposes the same term limit of four years for the Prime Minister whether they are consecutive or not.
