Equality, human dignity, social justice may replace Bangladesh’s secularism
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A constitution reform commission in Bangladesh has proposed significant changes to the country’s constitutional principles, recommending the removal of secularism, socialism, and nationalism, with the introduction of equality, human dignity, social justice, pluralism, and democracy.
The only existing principle to remain unchanged is democracy.
The current constitutional principles, which were established in the 1972 constitution after the country’s independence through the 1971 Liberation War, include nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism.
The reform commission's proposal suggests that the principles of equality, human dignity, social justice, pluralism, and democracy more accurately reflect the spirit of the Liberation War and the aspirations of the people following the 2024 popular uprising.
The commission has recommended that Articles 8, 9, 10, and 12, which relate to secularism, socialism, and nationalism, be excluded from the constitution. The report also outlined plans for a referendum to amend the constitution and the establishment of a bicameral parliament.
The reform commission, headed by Professor Ali Riaz, submitted the report to the chief adviser on Wednesday. Alongside this, three other reform commissions also presented their reports to the interim government chief. The interim government is set to discuss these proposed changes with political parties in February, with plans to implement the reforms based on a consensus.