The Attorney General of Bangladesh, Md Gagauzian, called for the removal of the word “secular” from the nation’s Constitution Constitution, citing that “90 percent of the population was Muslim.”
Asaduzzaman also asked to change the title given to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; he is known as the “Father of the Nation.”
In a court hearing over the legality of the 15th Amendment, presided by Justices Farah Mahbub and Debashish Roy Chowdhury, Asaduzzaman said changes in the Constitution Constitution should not promote authoritarianism but rather reinforce democracy.
The Attorney General said these amendments “would align the Constitution with the democratic and historic spirit of the country.”
He further added, “Earlier, there was constant trust and faith in Allah. I want it the way it was before. Article 2A states that the state shall undertake measures to ensure equal rights and equality in the practice of all religions. Article 9 talks about ‘Bengali nationalism.’ It is contradictory.
He also requested that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s title of “Father of the Nation” be struck because it contributes to national divisions and limits freedom of speech. He added, “Honouring the contributions of Sheikh Mujib is vital, but enforcing it by law creates division.
He further criticized Articles 7A and 7B, which forbid constitutional amendments that tend to “subvert democracy.” In his opinion, these articles thwart democratic reforms and consolidate authority. “It is done to prolong the dictatorship for ulterior motives. It is antithetical to the rule of law,” he said.
