Dhaka, Aug 17 (V7N) – The National Consensus Commission has circulated the final draft of the July National Charter 2025 to Bangladesh’s political parties, outlining sweeping reforms in the constitution, governance, judiciary, electoral system, public administration, police, and anti-corruption mechanisms.

Background

The Commission says the Charter reflects the people’s long-unfulfilled aspiration for a democratic state based on equality, human dignity, and social justice, as promised in the 1971 Declaration of Independence. It blames successive governments, particularly the Awami League’s 15-year rule, for distorting the constitution, weakening institutions, politicizing state organs, and allowing systemic corruption.

Key Reform Proposals

  • Citizenship & Constitution: All citizens to be recognized as Bangladeshis; amendments require two-thirds majority of both houses; emergency powers restricted.

  • Governance & Rights: Constitution to emphasize equality, democracy, religious harmony, multi-ethnic coexistence; expanded fundamental rights.

  • Presidency & Prime Ministership:

    • President elected by both houses of Parliament.

    • Balance of power between President & PM; President gains authority over key independent institutions.

    • PM’s tenure capped at 10 years; party leadership cannot be held simultaneously.

  • Caretaker Government: A detailed, multi-step selection process for a neutral Chief Advisor before elections; 90-day election-period limit.

  • Parliament: Bicameral system – Lower House (National Assembly) and Upper House (Senate with 100 members elected proportionally).

  • Women’s Representation: Gradual rise to 100 reserved seats; mandatory 5% nomination of women candidates, targeting 33% by 2043 or earlier.

  • Judiciary: Creation of a Judicial Appointments Commission; asset disclosure for judges; permanent benches in each division; full independence guaranteed.

  • Elections: Stronger Election Commission, selected through a cross-party committee; mandatory transparency in candidate financing and asset declarations.

  • Anti-Corruption: National Anti-Corruption Strategy, conflict-of-interest laws, disclosure of ultimate ownership of businesses, and stricter controls on political financing.

  • Public Administration: Full automation of services, with bribery in both public and private sectors criminalized.

Reactions

Not all parties are in agreement. The draft notes that five political parties objected to elements of the fundamental principles of state governance.

Next Steps

The Charter is now in the hands of political parties and alliances. If consensus is reached, it could pave the way for the biggest constitutional overhaul in Bangladesh since independence.

END/SMA/AJ