Experts urge constitutional reforms to strengthen democracy

Academics, university vice-chancellors and constitutional experts called for reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, ensure judicial independence and protect fundamental rights at a meeting of the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) on Tuesday.

The committee’s seventh meeting, held at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, was chaired by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.

Discussions focused on constitutional amendments, implementation of the July National Charter, the caretaker government system, popular sovereignty and the jurisdiction of the judiciary.

Participants also discussed establishing an effective procedure for amending the Constitution and introducing an upper house of parliament, including mechanisms to ensure representation for different professional and social groups. 

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The committee placed emphasis on the experts’ recommendations on implementing the commitments outlined in the July National Charter and making the necessary constitutional changes. Several participants have already submitted written proposals, while others were asked to submit their recommendations within the next two weeks.

The meeting also highlighted the need to build national consensus on implementing the July Charter and ensure opposition parties’ participation in the constitutional amendment process. The committee urged opposition representatives to take part in its proceedings, stressing that their involvement was important to advancing the reform process, meeting public expectations and fulfilling the commitments set out in the July Charter.

Other committee members present included Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, Zainul Abedin, State Minister for Planning Md Zunaid Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Farzana Sharmin Putul and Md Mahmudul Haque Rubel.