Interim Government Seeks 2-3 More Years Without Elections for New Constitution Drafting

Staff Reporter | May 11, 2025

Interim Government Law Advisor Professor Asif Nazrul believes drafting a new constitution may require 2-3 years.

Speaking at a discussion event held at Dhaka’s International Mother Language Institute on Sunday, May 11, the law advisor stated, “Neighboring countries provide examples where constitution drafting took 8-9 years.”

Explaining the timeline, Nazrul questioned: “Should I continue the 1972 constitution until the new one is ready? The existing parliament will function as a constitutional assembly until then, implementing necessary amendments to the 1972 constitution.”

He added: “When a parliament simultaneously handles constitution drafting, it can dedicate limited time – perhaps two weekly sessions for constitutional work. Expecting a constitutional assembly to complete drafting in 90 days would be overly optimistic.”

Regarding the July Charter, Nazrul remarked: “Excessive emphasis has been placed on the July Charter. Will it contain so many provisions? These must be constitutionally codified. There’s an assumption of universal agreement on Charter provisions, which won’t be simple. Maybe only its fundamental principles could be incorporated.”

His statements have drawn sharp criticism across social media platforms, with netizens alleging the interim government seeks to delay elections.

Professor Shariful Haque commented: “Dr. Yunus’s interim government is destroying the country through excuses – banning Awami League one day, constitution drafting the next – all to cling to power without elections while implementing Western agendas and surrendering national sovereignty.”