Rewriting the Constitution is a Misguided Idea: Dr. Kamal Hossain

Staff Reporter

Dr. Kamal Hossain, chair of the Constitution Drafting Committee, described the idea of rewriting the constitution as a “misguided notion.” However, he acknowledged the necessity of constitutional reform, emphasizing that any changes should be made through proper deliberation.

Speaking at a discussion titled *“The 1972 Constitution and Proposed Reforms”* on Thursday evening at the Supreme Court Bar Association auditorium, Dr. Hossain stressed, “The country has been governed based on the constitution for decades, and the people have accepted it. Abruptly nullifying it to draft a new one is neither logical nor acceptable.”

He added, “If reforms are needed, they should be carried out through widespread discussion and national consensus. Writing a new constitution means destroying the old one, which is unacceptable under any circumstances.”

Dr. Hossain also highlighted that the constitution should reflect the aspirations of the people and must not serve the interests of any individual or group. Any move to amend the constitution for narrow interests would not benefit the country.

The discussion was organized by the Bangladesh Democratic Lawyers’ Association. Other speakers included the President of Bangla Academy, Professor Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq, a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee, Professor Abu Sayeed, Women’s Council President Dr. Fauzia Moslem, journalist Sohrab Hasan, and leaders of the Democratic Lawyers’ Association.

Professor Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq recommended incremental reforms rather than major changes to the constitution. Professor Abu Sayeed criticized the proposals submitted by the constitutional reform committee, cautioning that removing secularism could provoke religious extremism, which would harm the country.

Speakers at the event underscored the need for constitutional amendments but stressed that such reforms should be based on national consensus.