Left Parties’ Constitutional Reform Proposal: Firm Stance on Four Fundamental Principles

Staff Correspondent

While Yunus Sarker seeks to reset the great Liberation War, the leftist parties of the country have expressed their support for retaining the four fundamental principles of the 1972 Constitution—nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism. This has given some hope to pro-liberation forces.

Additionally, the leftist parties have rejected the proposal to form a “National Constitutional Council (NCC)” to reduce the excessive powers of the Prime Minister and the government. They argue that this would create a dual administration and lead to the formation of a “super government.”

Representatives from the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), BASAD, Bangladesh JSD, BASAD (Marxist), and the Democratic Left Alliance presented these views during the first phase of the dialogue by the National Consensus Commission.

Unlike the BNP, Jamaat, and other parties, the leftist groups did not submit detailed constitutional amendment proposals but provided written and verbal opinions on the Commission’s 166 recommendations.

The CPB and BASAD, while supporting the four fundamental principles of the Constitution, opposed proposals such as holding local government elections, introducing a provincial system, and convening a constituent assembly before the national parliament. They advocated for a proportional representation system in parliamentary elections. Although Bangladesh JSD proposed repealing Articles 7(a) and 7(b) of the Constitution, it opposed any move that undermines the Liberation War.

The leftist parties supported direct elections for 100 reserved seats for women in parliament, limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure to two terms, and allowing party constitutions to decide whether the party chief and Prime Minister should be the same person.

BASAD called for drafting a national charter based on political consensus. Its General Secretary, Bazlur Rashid Firoz, said that progress should be made on issues where partial consensus is possible, leaving aside fundamental disagreements. Bangladesh JSD opposed removing the historic 7th March speech from the Constitution and supported retaining the Fifth and Seventh Amendments. It also proposed including the term “indigenous peoples” in the Constitution with a proper definition.

BASAD (Marxist) suggested reducing the parliamentary term to four years and barring any individual from serving as Prime Minister or party chief for more than two consecutive terms. It also proposed holding a referendum for constitutional amendments.

The Democratic Left Alliance recommended transferring the authority to appoint judges to the national parliament. Its coordinator, Abul Kalam Azad, said consensus on constitutional reforms is possible through dialogue based on the four fundamental principles.

CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince stated that urgent reforms are needed for an acceptable, fair, and free election. While emphasizing the need for elections free from financial influence, muscle power, and administrative interference, the leftist parties did not present specific proposals on this matter.

Bangladesh JSD General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan suggested that issues with consensus could be implemented quickly through ordinances and administrative orders, while contentious matters should be resolved through parliamentary discussions.