Special committee formed to amend constitution, opposition rejects move

Introduction to Constitutional Amendment

The government of Bangladesh has taken a significant step towards amending the country's constitution by forming a special committee. This move is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country's business environment and political landscape. However, the opposition has rejected the move, citing concerns over the committee's composition and the potential impact on the country's democratic institutions.

Background of the Amendment

The constitution of Bangladesh has undergone several amendments since its adoption in 1972. The latest amendment, which was made in 2014, removed the provision for a caretaker government during elections. The current government has been facing pressure from various quarters to amend the constitution again, with some calling for changes to the electoral system and others demanding greater autonomy for local governments. The formation of the special committee is seen as a response to these demands, but the opposition is skeptical about the government's intentions.

Key Details of the Amendment Committee

The special committee formed to amend the constitution consists of 15 members, including lawmakers from the ruling party and a few independent experts. The committee is tasked with reviewing the constitution and recommending changes to the government. However, the opposition has criticized the committee's composition, saying that it is dominated by members of the ruling party and lacks representatives from civil society. The opposition has also expressed concerns that the committee's recommendations may be used to consolidate power in the hands of the ruling party.

The committee's terms of reference include reviewing the constitution's provisions related to fundamental rights, electoral systems, and local government. The committee is expected to submit its recommendations to the government within a few months, after which the proposed amendments will be debated in parliament. The opposition has vowed to resist any attempts to push through amendments that it sees as undemocratic or unconstitutional.

Impact on the Business Environment

The formation of the special committee to amend the constitution is expected to have significant implications for the business environment in Bangladesh. The country's investors and entrepreneurs are watching the developments closely, as they seek clarity on the government's economic policies and regulatory framework. The opposition's rejection of the committee's formation has added to the uncertainty, which may deter foreign investment and hinder the country's economic growth.

The amendment to the constitution may also impact the ease of doing business in Bangladesh. The country has been trying to improve its ranking in the World Bank's Doing Business report, but the current uncertainty may hinder these efforts. The government needs to ensure that any amendments to the constitution are business-friendly and do not create new barriers to investment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the formation of the special committee to amend the constitution of Bangladesh is a significant development that has far-reaching implications for the country's business environment and political landscape. While the government sees the committee as a way to address the country's governance challenges, the opposition is skeptical about the committee's composition and the potential impact on the country's democratic institutions. As the committee begins its work, it is essential for the government to engage with the opposition and civil society to ensure that any amendments to the constitution are inclusive and democratic.

Source: Prothom Alo