Bangladesh Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman has called for amendment of the country’s constitution. He said that words like socialism, Bengali nationalism, secularism should be removed from the Constitution. Apart from this, he has also suggested removing the provision of naming Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibar Rahman as the Father of the Nation.
‘Socialism’ and ‘Secularism’ in Article 8 of the Constitution
Regarding Article 8 of the Constitution, Asaduzzaman argued that socialism and secularism do not match the reality of Bangladesh, because 90 percent of the population here is Muslim. Regarding the removal of the word Bengali nationalism from Article 9, he said that it is not right in terms of modern democratic principles.
Recommendation given to remove 15th constitutional amendment
Apart from this, he also asked for the removal of the 15th Constitutional Amendment passed by the Bangladesh Parliament on 30 June 2011, in which Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was called the Father of the Nation. Asaduzzaman said that after these amendments in the Constitution, the country will be prepared according to democratic and ethos. He also advocated reinstating the provision of referendum.
Accused of promoting authoritarian rule
Asaduzzaman said that retaining the 15th Amendment weakens the spirit of the liberation war, the 1990 rebellion and the 2024 revolution. He accused the amendment of prolonging authoritarian rule and violating constitutional supremacy. He said that the 15th Constitutional Amendment attacks democracy and the rule of law. It also creates division among people and disrupts political stability.
Important for the strength of democracy
The Attorney General also raised questions regarding Articles 6 and 7 (a), 7 (b) of the Constitution. He said that these articles weaken democracy. These articles were implemented to weaken democratic institutions. He opposed the abolition of the system of interim government. Also demanded to restore the referendum provision. He said this is necessary to restore democratic accountability.