Dhaka, Dec 26 (V7N)- The Constitutional Reform Commission, led by Professor Ali Riaz, has decided to abandon its plan to rewrite the constitution due to a lack of political consensus. Instead, the commission will recommend significant amendments aimed at curbing the centralization of power and enhancing accountability within the government structure.

Among the key recommendations are the establishment of a bicameral legislature, a two-term limit for prime ministers, and the separation of the roles of parliamentary leader and party head. Professor Riaz emphasized the need for political parties to collaborate to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms.

Professor Riaz criticized the concentration of power in the Prime Minister's office, describing it as a breeding ground for dictatorship. “The current system grants the Prime Minister unchecked authority, leading to a lack of accountability,” he said. “We need to address the centralization of power and create mechanisms for accountability to prevent such abuses in the future.”

The commission also supports redistributing power within Parliament and recommends the repeal of Article 70, which currently prevents members of parliament from voting against their party's decisions.

The commission plans to reintroduce the caretaker government system for conducting national elections, a provision that was previously repealed by the Awami League government. Professor Riaz stated that the next election would likely be held under an interim government, citing the need for moral and legal legitimacy.

The commission has consulted with political parties, constitutional experts, and civil society to gather opinions on issues such as presidential elections, government tenure, and judicial decentralization. These suggestions are likely to be included in the final set of recommendations.

Professor Riaz underscored the importance of ensuring that no individual or party holds excessive power, saying, “We must reform the constitution to close the avenues for dictatorship and establish a balanced governance system.”

While the recommendations mark a significant step toward constitutional reform, their implementation will depend on achieving political consensus, which remains elusive.

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