The Awami league lead coalition government in Bangladesh is taking steps to correct the distortions of the original constitution which are done by the earlier military led governments. The ruling alliance led by prime minister Sheikh Hasina has more than three-fourth of the majority and therefore has the necessary strength to carry the amendments in the parliament.
The two recent landmark verdicts on fifth and eight amendments declaring them void and unconstitutional by the supreme court has brighten the hopes for bringing in the original constitution back and restoring the four basic pillars - democracy, nationalism, socialism and secularism.
The Awami league led alliance as bound by its promise, has appointed a special parliamentary committee to suggest the suitable amendments to the constitution to bring back the original Bangladeshi state.These recommendations will be placed in upcoming session of parliament.
Opposition to these recommendation is expected from the beneficiaries of the fifth and eight amendments but surprisingly this is also seen from some of the members of the ruling party fearing the defeat of party falling into this trap.
Indiscriminate amendments were made to the constitution by the military rulers, followed by the assassination of Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. These amendments changed the fundamental principles of constitution and turned itself into a religious based state from a secular state.
The ruling government maintained the pro-religion nature of the constitution fearing the islamic forces and the ground reality but suggested some of the useful recommendations to bring democracy.The sympathizers-turned critics see this as obvious contradiction though welcomed other amends restoring the original constitution.There are also apprehensions about the pro-islamic parties turn the state into the state similar to Pakistan in the desperation as the religion based politics are still unchecked.
For the first time Bangladesh is set to give constitutional recognition to Mujibur Rahman and incorporate the historical facts of its independence.
There are few important amendments suggested by the special committee which includes a new Article. According to this article any kind of takeover of power by military or other means would be considered as a treason.The other amendments include the recognition of ethical minorities, withholding the war criminals, who are still under trial, from participating in general elections.Besides, the committee also suggested women empowerment and protection of bio-diversity and environment.
The secularists and other optimists hope that the parliament will do the necessary action in preserving the Constitution that represent the heroic struggle for the state's independence.
-Vish
Excerpts from : http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article2132333.ece
The two recent landmark verdicts on fifth and eight amendments declaring them void and unconstitutional by the supreme court has brighten the hopes for bringing in the original constitution back and restoring the four basic pillars - democracy, nationalism, socialism and secularism.
The Awami league led alliance as bound by its promise, has appointed a special parliamentary committee to suggest the suitable amendments to the constitution to bring back the original Bangladeshi state.These recommendations will be placed in upcoming session of parliament.
Opposition to these recommendation is expected from the beneficiaries of the fifth and eight amendments but surprisingly this is also seen from some of the members of the ruling party fearing the defeat of party falling into this trap.
Indiscriminate amendments were made to the constitution by the military rulers, followed by the assassination of Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. These amendments changed the fundamental principles of constitution and turned itself into a religious based state from a secular state.
The ruling government maintained the pro-religion nature of the constitution fearing the islamic forces and the ground reality but suggested some of the useful recommendations to bring democracy.The sympathizers-turned critics see this as obvious contradiction though welcomed other amends restoring the original constitution.There are also apprehensions about the pro-islamic parties turn the state into the state similar to Pakistan in the desperation as the religion based politics are still unchecked.
For the first time Bangladesh is set to give constitutional recognition to Mujibur Rahman and incorporate the historical facts of its independence.
There are few important amendments suggested by the special committee which includes a new Article. According to this article any kind of takeover of power by military or other means would be considered as a treason.The other amendments include the recognition of ethical minorities, withholding the war criminals, who are still under trial, from participating in general elections.Besides, the committee also suggested women empowerment and protection of bio-diversity and environment.
The secularists and other optimists hope that the parliament will do the necessary action in preserving the Constitution that represent the heroic struggle for the state's independence.
-Vish
Excerpts from : http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article2132333.ece
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