Bangladesh Forms Nine-Member Constitution Reform Commission

Bangladesh's interim government has formed a nine-member Constitution Reform Commission, led by Ali Riaz, to propose reforms within 90 days. The commission includes legal experts, professors, and activists,governance for free and fair elections.

Piyush Shukla Last updated on November 7th, 2024 08:34 pm

Bangladesh’s interim government has established a nine-member Constitution Reform Commission, headed by Bangladeshi-American professor Ali Riaz, to review and propose reforms within 90 days. The commission, formed after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned, aims to create a more representative and democratic framework. Members include professors, legal experts, and student representatives, with student Mahfuj Alam serving as special assistant to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The commission is part of broader reforms announced by Yunus, which include commissions for judiciary, police, electoral system, public administration, and anti-corruption.

Commission Structure

Prominent figures like Dhaka University Professors Sumaiya Khair and Muhammad Ikramul Haq, Supreme Court lawyer Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan, and human rights activist Md Mustain Billah are among the commission’s members. They will gather diverse opinions to make recommendations on constitutional reforms.

Sectoral Reforms

The interim government also announced five other commissions to reform key sectors. The commissions, set to start in October, aim to strengthen governance, particularly in the judiciary and electoral systems, for free and fair elections. Final consultations with political parties will follow these reforms.

Key Points: Bangladesh Nine-Member Constitution Reform Commission

Formation: Announced by Bangladesh’s interim government to review and recommend constitutional reforms.

Chairperson: Led by Bangladeshi-American professor Ali Riaz.

Objective: To evaluate the current constitution and propose reforms for a more representative and effective democracy.

Timeline: Commission to submit its report within 90 days.

Members

Professors from Dhaka University: Sumaiya Khair, Muhammad Ikramul Haq.
Lawyers: Barrister Imran Siddique, Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan.
Writers and activists: Firoz Ahmed, Md Mustain Billah.
Other members: Barrister M Moin Alam Ferozi, student representative Mahfuj Alam (special assistant to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus).

Context: Formed after widespread protests led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in August 2024.

Related Reforms: Part of broader sectoral reforms including judiciary, electoral system, police, public administration, and anti-corruption.

Bangladesh Constitution Reform Commission: Key Points

Key Points	Details
Why in News	Bangladesh’s interim government forms a 9-member Constitution Reform Commission, headed by Ali Riaz, to propose constitutional reforms.
Formation of Commission	Established by the interim government after PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, with a 90-day timeline to submit recommendations.
Objective of Commission	To review and propose reforms for a more representative and democratic framework.
Chairperson	Ali Riaz, Bangladeshi-American professor, leads the commission.
Members	Includes Dhaka University professors, lawyers, human rights activists, and student representative Mahfuj Alam.
Sectoral Reforms	Includes reforms in judiciary, police, electoral system, public administration, and anti-corruption.
Timeline	Report to be submitted within 90 days.
Political Context	Formed after widespread protests led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Related Reforms	Includes commissions for judiciary, electoral system, police, public administration, and anti-corruption.