Bangladesh Forms Nine-Member Constitution Reform Commission

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.