Since the ouster of the government led by Sheikh Hasina, the Constitution of Bangladesh, which has undergone wholesale reforms in the last fifteen years, has been under the spotlight.

Reforms are the call of the day, but what kind of reforms? We take a look at what has been said so far on this subject.

Ali Riza, Chairman of Bangladesh Constitutional Reform Commission (August 29)

“The Constitution needs to be rewritten because it is extremely difficult to change the current constitution. A significant part of it, approximately one-third, is included in the basic structure and cannot be changed. There are untouchable elements in it, regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, the debate on rewriting the constitution has gained momentum.”

Sarah Hossan, senior lawyer at the Supreme Court

“Although it may seem easy to dismantle existing structures (the Constitution), it is much more difficult to create something new… It is not enough to simply create something permanent; it must also be adaptable and capable of continuous improvement. Moreover, there is still the death penalty. When evaluating reform, it is only the functions of institutions “We need to examine both social norms and practices.”

Muhammed Yunus, chief advisor (September 12)

“We cannot do anything (we cannot make constitutional reforms) without consensus. Because our power comes from consensus. If we can achieve consensus, we will do this too.”

Mr. Asadüzzaman, chief prosecutor (12 September)

“Under Article 70 of the Constitution, MPs are prohibited from taking to the floor, which means that no MP can express his opinion regardless of the party’s decision in parliament. As a result, the legislative, administrative and judicial functions in Bangladesh should be concentrated in the hands of one person. I believe.”

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP general secretary (21 September)

“Any reforms must be made within the framework of the current Constitution. My personal opinion is that any changes to be made to the Constitution should be consulted with the public. Another thing is that a few experts can prepare it, but only for radical changes or the creation of a new constitution.” A constituent assembly is needed.”

Hasnat Abdullah, coordinator of the Student Movement Against Discrimination (October 23)

“Political parties need to clarify their stance on whether they support or oppose the 1972 Constitution of the Mujib era. If we scrap the 1972 Constitution and prepare a new constitution, that constitution will reflect the aspirations of the people.”

Md Nahid Islam, Information and Publishing advisor (23 October)

“The Constitution lost its validity due to the July-August uprising.”

Mia Golam Parwar, general secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami (26 October)

“No revolution in history has complied with the constitutional framework. Likewise, the revolution sparked by the student and popular movement in Bangladesh in the July-August period did not comply with the constitutional framework.”