Attorney General Calls for Revisions to Bangladesh Constitution to Avoid Authoritarianism

Dhaka, Bangladesh - Bangladesh's Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has urged constitutional revisions that prioritize democracy and avoid promoting authoritarian tendencies in the country. In a recent court hearing on the legality of the 15th Amendment, Asaduzzaman argued that the current constitutional framework has become contradictory and undermines democratic principles.

The attorney general stated that the removal of the term "secular" from the Constitution is crucial as only 10% of the population is Muslim in Bangladesh. He also expressed opposition to honoring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's title as the "father of the nation," citing concerns over enforcing such titles through legislation, which can create social divisions.

Asaduzzaman criticized Articles 7A and 7B, which limit amendments that could be seen as undermining democracy, stating that these provisions actually weaken democratic processes by entrenching political power. The attorney general claimed that these articles were intended to prolong authoritarian rule for ulterior motives, running counter to the principles of the rule of law.

The Indian government has reportedly backed Asaduzzaman's stance, acknowledging that "the Jamaat-e-Islami is running its agenda in the country" post- Sheikh Hasina's ousting. The turmoil following massive student protests led to Hasina's resignation and exile from Bangladesh last August.

As part of the recent amendment dispute, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has voiced concerns over President Mohammed Shahabuddin's actions in dissolving parliament. Since then, prominent Bangladeshi politician Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (the father of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina) had assumed an interim role with Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus at the helm.

Since his appointment, opposition protests have gained momentum against his administration amidst concerns over his involvement in a long-standing system that favors specific group interests. A recent proposal for constitutional revision seeks the input of citizens to strengthen democratic participation and reinvigorate national pride.

**This article is written by [Your Name], News Writer at Alayaran.com