Bangladesh’s newly formed constitutional reform commission pledged to uproot “fascism” as protests erupted, seeking to protect democracy after opposition leader Sheikh Hasina’s fall in the student-led revolution. The commission has been tasked with submitting its recommendations to the interim government by December 31, one of the wide-ranging reforms promised by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who took on the “chief advisor” role after the uprising in August.
Ali Riaz, a professor of political science at Illinois State University, heads the reform commission. He emphasizes the need to create a constitution that truly reflects the will and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
“The current constitution grants the prime minister far too much power, and such concentration of authority is the facilitator of fascism,” Riaz said in his first comments since the commission’s formation in early October. The origin of fascism is the imbalance of power,”
He explained.
The commission comprises a diverse group of senior barristers, law professors from Dhaka University, human rights activists, and a student leader who played a key role in protests against Hasina’s regime. The reform process would include extensive consultations with constitutional experts, lawyers, and civil society representatives, alongside the government’s consultation with political parties.
“The interim government will discuss the proposals with all political parties and send their recommendations to the commission,” he said. “The final shape of the constitution will emerge after a series of discussions.”
Her 15-year rule was marred by widespread allegations of human rights abuses, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of political opponents. Her government was criticized for politicizing the judiciary and civil service, aside from conducting unfair elections that undermined democratic safeguards.
Yunus referred to the country’s public administration as “completely broken down” and called for thorough reform to avoid any future slide toward autocracy.
